MightyGem:
Problem for the customer is that when they detect the response rate is not good, they don't bother calling as often. With demands on NPAS reduced, the number of future declined attendances by NPAS will be less thus making it look like the service has improved!
My contacts on the ground have described a 'malaise' has set in with police forces when air support is an option. They can't be bothered calling anymore due to the appalling response times / rejections etc.
The "system" will therefore stabilise for NPAS at this performance level and they can then project their performance going fwd on these poor base lines.
Smoke and Mirrors.