Commentary on provisions of Act Claims for compensation Section 4: The decision-maker on a claim
Subsection (1) specifies that the relevant local policing body is responsible for making a decision on a claim except where;
they have delegated their claims handling and decision-making functions (in accordance with subsection (2)). This section allows local policing bodies with greater flexibility to outsource to companies with greater capacity and expertise to handle claims (for example to loss adjuster companies); or
the Secretary of State makes a direction to transfer claims in accordance with section 5.
	Subsection (2) allows for regulations to be made by the Secretary of State around the transference of claims handling and decision-making functions. This could, for example, specify types of accredited organisations to whom these functions may be delegated.
	Subsection (3) expands on subsection (2) and makes clear that the Secretary of State may make specific provision in the regulations enabling greater flexibility around, for example, the types of claim in relation to which the functions may be delegated. Subsection (3) also allows the Secretary of State to include measures in regulations to ensure appropriate governance around claims handling and decision making.