Calls for Minister to Support Norfolk's Neighbourhood Policing Plans

5.43.11pm GMT Sat 20th Jan 2007

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, has written to Police Minister Tony McNulty following the budget consultation meeting conducted by Norfolk Police Authority. Mr Wright calls on the Minister to help Norfolk's Police Authority to stick to the Government's own manifesto commitment to neighbourhood policing when he meets with police representatives in Norfolk next Tuesday. Norfolk's Police Authority has proposed the case for a 7% council tax rise to fund neighbourhood policing as a third of the promised Government funding has been withdrawn.

Speaking at tonight's meeting, Simon Wright said:

"The Police Authority is in an unenviable situation. It's scandalous that the Government has reneged on its manifesto pledge for neighbourhood policing.

"In Norfolk, we have the 'double whammy' of historic underfunding of our police force, and the high cost of serving a rural area."

"We need to consider the needs of many vulnerable people in Norfolk, whose communities are blighted by anti-social behaviour."

"I hope that the Police Authority can use the meeting with the Minister next week to put the ball back in the Government's court."

Simon Wright also asked at the meeting what the impact would be on plans for neighbourhood policing in Norfolk if the authority was capped for its proposed council tax increase, and has also raised this in his letter to the Minster.