Security Industry Authority - Clarification on Media Speculation

24 September 2010

The statement below released by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) addresses current media speculation.

The SIA, along with all other arms-length public bodies, is subject to a review to determine whether we should continue to fulfil our current responsibilities. This review is being conducted centrally and across government. This is a decision for the Government and we cannot comment on speculation. We will continue to fulfil our duties under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and the current law applies: any person undertaking licensable activities must hold and display a valid SIA licence. All ACS terms and conditions continue to apply. The Home Office has issued the following statement: "The Government is committed to making substantial reforms of its public bodies to increase accountability and reduce their number and cost. All departments are working with the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury to assess our public bodies and ensure they perform an essential role which has to be carried out by Government and cannot be provided more efficiently elsewhere. No final decision has been made and we expect to make an announcement in due course."