'West Midlands regional police force would cost Solihull residents dear' - Lorely Burt MP
June 27, 2006 12:00 AM
Solihull's MP. Lorely Burt has claimed that the proposals for a new super force, amalgamating four policing areas in the West Midlands, will result in a huge tax rise for Solihull residents.
"Band D Council Tax homeowners in the West Midlands Police Authority area paid a police precept of £87.55 this year, but Band D homeowners within the West Mercia Police Authority paid £150.24, nearly double the amount for the same period."
"If the Home Secretary's merger plans go ahead this will mean a massive tax hike for Solihull residents due to equalisation of the precept charges over time across the region.
"There is nothing to be gained from the merger for Solihull residents, and the fear is that merger costs will escalate, putting police jobs at risk.
"I am also concerned that the creation of super forces will rest too much power in the hands of around fifteen Chief Police Officers, making them less accountable to the communities they serve. This would distort local policing priorities and alter the balance of accountability between police and the public," said Lorely Burt
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