SIA is to come under the portfolio of the Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis in the Home Office.
In a joint statement issued today (March 13th, 2025, Heather Baily, Chair of the SIA and Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the SIA, said:
"We very much welcome this move as it ensures that both functions of the SIA, which include the existing regulation of the private security industry and the new Martyn’s Law regulator function, complement each other. This will improve protective security and security standards at venues across the UK.
We also welcome the government’s intention to review the Manchester Arena Inquiry’s monitored recommendation 7 (removing the in-house licensing exemption) and monitored recommendation 8 (the introduction of business licensing) in the coming weeks.
We look forward to working with the Home Office and the UK private security industry and stakeholders to support the government’s missions to make the UK safer from terrorism and ‘taking back our streets".
The Possible Outcome? (for Council In-House staff)
- Mandatory SIA Licensing & Training
- Higher Wage Costs
- Increased Compliance & Vetting Costs
- Potential Move to Outsourcing
Mandatory SIA Licensing & Training – Each security officer will need a £184 license (every 3 years) and £400 training.
Higher Wage Costs – Licensed security professionals command higher salaries, adding ~£2,000 per officer annually.
Increased Compliance & Vetting Costs – Background checks, ongoing training, and regulation adherence.
Potential Move to Outsourcing – If in-house costs rise too much, Councils may shift to third-party contractors.
Estimated Financial Impact:
Council Size | Security Staff | Licensing & Training Cost (3 Years) | Annual Wage Increase | Potential Outsourcing Cost (Annual) |
Small Council | 10 | £6,340 | £20,000 | £287,500 |
Medium Council | 50 | £31,700 | £100,000 | £1,437,500 |
Large Council | 150 | £95,100 | £300,000 | £4,312,500 |
What Can Councils Do?
License & Train In-House Staff – Absorb costs but retain security control.
Outsource Security Services – Transfer responsibility but face higher annual expenses.
Invest in Security Tech (CCTV, Access Control) – Reduce reliance on physical personnel.
Key Question: Should councils continue managing in-house security or outsource to reduce compliance burdens?
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