Nick Harvey

Liberal Democrats | North Devon

DEVON & CORNWALL POLICE AUTHORITY LOBBIES PARLIAMENT ON FUNDING

Members of Devon & Cornwall Police Authority lobbied Parliament this afternoon as part of a national campaign on police funding.

The Association of Police Authorities organised the lobby to draw attention to the fact that the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review – which will determine Police funding fort he following three years – currently looks set to award no real terms increases in Police funding at all.

Cllr Brian Greenslade, a member of Devon & Cornwall Police Authority, said:

“At a time when there is public concern about law and order, it is worrying that Government doesn’t seem to give more priority to Policing.  We are particularly disappointed that funding of Police Community Support Officers is being reduced.”

Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon took up this point:

“PCSOs are beginning to be appreciated by the public – for whom they take up some of the local issues of greatest concern – and by the Police officers whom they are supporting.  If Devon & Cornwall end up having to cut back from 500 to around 350, which seems to be on the cards, local communities will suffer.  Given the weight Labour put on this promise at last year’s election this threatened funding cut is rather shocking.”