PCC reacts to new Home Secretary's first speech
In reaction to the Home Secretary's speech to the Police
Federation conference in Birmingham, West Midlands Police and Crime
Commissioner David Jamieson, said:
"I welcome the change of tone from the Home Secretary, but as
well as warm words we need an increase in resources.
"Warm words are all well and good, but they won't ease the
huge issues police forces face. Nor will they do anything to halt
the increase in crime going on in the West Midlands and around the
country. There was no specific commitment to increase police
funding. There was also no commitment that funding will be focused
on the areas that need it most, like the West
Midlands.
"West Midlands Police needs £22 million just to stand still.
This year we faced real terms cuts in funding again. The government
now needs to step up and make the tough choices to put that funding
where the threat from crime is greatest.
"Pushing Commissioners to increase council tax to part fund
the gap, whilst freezing the government grant, isn't fair or
sustainable to do each and every year.
"In the West Midlands we have introduced innovative schemes
to tackle the rise in crime as well as making efficiency savings.
We could be doing much more if we had the proper level of funding
for an area like the West Midlands."