Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner is asking local people to support his plans to protect policing.
Residents have until Friday 20 January to have their say on Tony Lloyd’s proposal to increase the policing element of the council tax by £5 – just over a penny a day.
“Keeping our streets and homes safe throughout the year in the face of shrinking funds continues to be a challenge for policing in your area. The Government’s failure once again to safeguard policing budgets and invest in community safety means Greater Manchester Police needs to find at least £22m of savings over the next 12 months,” says Tony.
“The Prime Minister is not putting money where her mouth is. This means that I’m left with no choice but to reluctantly ask local people to contribute a bit extra – £5 a year. I’m asking for your support on this proposal so we can help maintain a strong, effective police service. Without it we will have to cut more from frontline policing.”
You can have your say at www.gmpcc.org.uk/counciltax.
Since 2010, £180m has been axed from GMP’s budget and there are 2,000 fewer officers patrolling our streets. But crime continues to rise, with officers dealing with more complex and challenging issues such as child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and cybercrime. Cuts to other public services also add additional pressure.
The proposal would see the police element of the average council tax bill rise from £157.30 to £162.30 – which is still amongst the lowest in the country – raising £3.5m for local policing. This is equal to maintaining 70 officers on our streets.
The consultation closes on Friday 20th January.
(For more information contact Claire Smith on 0161 793 3092.)