Jackie Pearcey

Liberal Democrat PPC for Bolton West Councillor Jackie Pearcey has condemned the decision by the Government to cap Greater Manchester Police in their share of the Council Tax.  Under a deal with all ten authorities, GMP were to get a 7.5% rise each year for three years specifically in order to bring up police numbers.  Since then, a budget deficit has resulted in police number falling.

Now the Government has capped GMP, deciding that next year they will not be able to increase by more than 1.6%.

Jackie Pearcey said “this is unacceptable interference by the Government.  Because the police were underfunded, mainly as a result of the Government’s funding structure which has already taken £15.5. million away from GMP this year alone, a decision was made to increase funding in order to improve policing.  That has also now been taken away.  Meanwhile, GMP are the second worst performing force in the Country!  It is amazing to think that the Government expect GMP to improve whilst starving them of resources.

“Bolton needs better policing, but it can’t be done for free!”

The police post in Westhoughton

Councillor Jackie Pearcey, Liberal Democrat PPC for Bolton West, has hit out at reports that up to 300 jobs will be lost at Greater Manchester Police to balance the books.

Jackie said: “Last year, on the City Council, I raised the question as to whether or not there was a hole in the GMP budget and was assured by the Chair of the Police Authority that there was no funding gap.  Now it seems that they are £5 million overspent.

“The police are thinly stretched as it is.  Freezing recruitment will result in less police on the streets and will harm the fight against crime.”

You can also read this article on the Westhoughton Liberal Democrat website here.