Crime commissioner ‘scaremongering’ over police cuts

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. Photo: David Hurst

After a recent ill-advised press release from Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, I have been reassuring people the claims being made are nothing more than speculation, and I am appalled at the scaremongering and blatant electioneering by our current PCC.

Claims are being made about catastrophic funding cuts to our force based on a formula currently in consultation, and a funding figure which no-one will have sight of until the comprehensive spending review reports at the end of November.

The new formula, which is only in a draft stage, has been created because of sustained pressure from police forces across the country to create a formula which is fair and reflects the needs and demographics of each force. Even though back room numbers have been cut over the last five years, crime in our area has fallen by 11% and Lancashire has been rated as an outstanding force only last week.

If, when the correct funding formula, is released I feel the level of funding is inappropriate for our force, I will campaign to ensure our area is protected. I will not be condoning scaremongering of my constituents without factual basis.

Last week in Parliament I met Morecambe Food Bank manager Annette Smith at a Trussell Trust networking event. It was great to catch up and to talk about progress with the DWP pilot scheme.

I also had an update meeting with National Grid.

The other Friday, I was invited by headteacher David McPartlin to be his guest at the St Peter’s School end of half-term assembly. I presented certificates to pupils and saw each class present what they had been working on that week. The children then asked me questions about my role as an MP.

I was really impressed with how many children were happy to ask a question in front of the whole school.