Oct 23, 2007
Lib Dems highlight risk/threats to success of Neighbourhood Policing
Lib Dems on Reading Borough Council have raised questions about the future of neighbourhood policing in Reading given the town’s police retention problems. The Lib Dems welcomed the introduction of more Police on the streets but raised fears about lack of resources.
Cllr Gareth Epps, prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) for Reading East, challenged Labour lead councillor Tony Page at the full Council meeting last Tuesday about the cut in police support officers (PCSOs) from 24,000 to 16,000 which is being forced by the Labour Government. In reply, Cllr Page was forced to admit the reduction.
Gareth said:
“Does the Lead Cllr share the confidence of the Chief Constable that Neighbourhood Policing will not be affected by the issues we here are all aware of, about police retention and recruitment; and in particular is he confident that Reading will maintain a full compliment of neighbourhood officers and PCSOs given the Home Office’s cut in PCSO numbers [by one-third] due for 2008?”
Cllr Daisy Benson, Lib Dem spokesperson for Safer Communities expressed fears about resourcing of neighbourhood action groups:
“What plans are in place to monitor the operation of the twelve neighbourhood action groups (NAG)? I’m concerned that the Whitley NAG which covers the Whitley North and Whitley South is going to be too large to be effective – it could have as many as 24 members”.
Daisy went on to ask: ‘There are only 12 Neighbourhood Action Groups planned for 16 neighbourhoods. Is this due to lack of Police resources?
