Two petitions have been launched regarding the massive rise in council rates to fund Lincolnshire Police. The Lincolnshire Echo says that so far, only 200 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to intervene to stop the increase.
But that's ten times as many as have signed another petition calling on the Government to come up with more cash for Lincolnshire Police...
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I don't think that many people are aware of the petition. Lets hope that the Echo's campaign ensures the numbers increase. There is also a petition by one of your colleagues relating to ELDC. I shall sign the petition today.
Douglas Hogg is also behind an EDM regarding Police Authority Members. He thinks they should be elected by residents rather than appointed. What do you think of this Phil? After such a stupid decision he may well have a point. I personally think it is time that we have people from Age Concern or CAB on all authorities that have the power to raise taxation. We may then have a balanced representation. I have read closely some of Mr Hogg's statements in the House but regrettably they seem politically motivated rather than producing evidence as to his claim that the Lincolnshire Service is being unfairly treated. I am disappointed that no MP from Lincolnshire has called for capping. Other MPs from other counties have as they are concerned about the burden on local tax payers even though the police precept increase was way below that determined locally.
It would also be helful if some of your colleagues on the authority stopped using the limited consultation exercise (with huge responses from police staff who stand to lose their jobs) to support the huge increase. The consultation is not reflective of the population and it was shortlived. I only purchase local newspapers occasionally and by the time that I was aware of the consultation it was too late to contribute. I realise the difficulty and no doubt the immense effort to get people to participate. However, it has been known for almost a year of the shortfall which provided a sufficient period of time to consult and get the message across. Why was a form/article not placed in the County/District Newsletters or even in County libraries?
I have contacted Tony McNulty to ask for capping. I have also done a lot of research on budgets and on precept charges throughout the country. The authorities assertions on funding and local MPs statements blaming the government for doing an injustice to our police service do not stand up to scrutiny. Many other police authorities are stating the same as it seems apparent that all have been used to huge awards over the past years and now cannot cope with "normal" settlements. All have considered taxpayers in determining precepts whilst maintaining services. Many have indicated huge efficiency savings and commercial use of trained police staff. Where do Lincolnshire stand on these issues?
It is a mess Phil and I regret that the decision reached by the Authority has not reflected well on the police. I personally support the police but this does not mean that I cannot criticise their use of resources, practices and their lack of emphasis on productivity. (Sir Ronnie Flanaghan's Report covers some of this very well). Just look at the comments on the Echo website and of course the leak by a serving police officer of funds not used in the current financial year being thrown at police divisions.
What a shambles and why do I think it is politically motivated to try and force the governments hand? In despair..........
Where do you actually stand on this Phil???
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