PCSO Funding Cut Stays on the Table

4.53.25pm GMT Wed 11th Nov 2009

The Liberal Democrat group at County Hall once again challenged the Conservative administration to confirm or deny the proposed £129,000 cut in Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) funding during the next budget round.

At this morning's Full Council meeting the Conservatives voted against a motion from the Lib Dems, asking them to honour the 3-year funding commitment made by the council. However, the new administration made it clear that the funding cut was still very much 'on the table' and used the excuse that the motion would 'circumvent' the proper process.

Somerset County Council, in conjunction with the Avon & Somerset Policy Authority, Trading Standards and other partners, does a great deal of work on the prevention of crime in our county. This is best demonstrated through our continued funding of the PCSOs, who are increasingly popular with their communities and especially in providing diversion activities for young people.

A recent LGA survey shows that crime is rising as the recession bites, with an increase in burglary and vehicle crime in particular. Our commitment to the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, linked to the work of PCSOs, helps reduce the incidence of fear of crime around the county.

'Binge' drinking and anti-social behaviour - even violent crime and murder, which leaves our communities reeling - can be related to under-age sales. The two 'specialist' PCSOs who have been working with our Trading Standards, specifically look for under-age sales of alcohol in clubs, pubs and off-licences. This work has been hugely successful but is now under threat.

Cathy Bakewell, Shadow Cabinet member for Community Safety, said of the decision:

"I am extremely disappointed that the Conservative group could not be swayed by our strong defence of PCSOs and unanimously voted against our motion. Indeed one of their group even suggested that the council should not fund Somerset's PCSOs at all".