Police force watchdog 'hamstrung by bosses'

Weaknesses at the top threaten the Metropolitan Police Authority's powers of scrutiny, it is claimed today.

It is hamstrung by internal problems, lack of public profile and low morale, according to public spending watchdog the Audit Commission.

The MPA was created four years ago, at the same time as the Mayoralty and Greater London Authority, to monitor Scotland Yard's ?2billionayear budget.

But the Audit Commission's first investigation into its activities found that the MPA's performance should be rated as "fair" rather than "good" or "excellent".

The investigation found that good work had been done in curbing corruption and poor financial control but serious problems remained.

"Internal weaknesses jeopardise its future credibility and its capacity to achieve its ambition of securing an effective, efficient and fair service," the report said.

The management at other key parts of the Greater London Authority fared better.

Performance at the London Development Agency and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority was "good" while Transport for London was "excellent".