KCC Tory Administration Say One Thing But Do Another

3.12.00pm GMT Thu 1st Mar 2007

"They are making it worse!"

In answer to questions raised by Geoff Rowe (Lib Dem Member for Malling Rural North East) KCC has admitted it will be going ahead with plans to axe 10 Community Wardens despite Government cuts which mean Kent is already losing 200 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

Mike Hill, Cabinet Member replied for Communities confirmed that KCC would ' fully support' Kent Police in their neighbourhood policing programme, but he said that the 10 Community Warden posts were "no longer needed". They will be cut in 2008.

Geoff Rowe said "KCC is say one thing and doing another" The Chief Constable's plans for neighbourhood policing teams have suffered a knockout blow with the Government funded PCSOs being cut from 474 to 270. KCC is not only refusing to respond to the Chief Constable's request for help - they are making it worse". 

Note 1:- The Home Office had originally offered Kent Police 474 additional PCSO posts in Kent. This was subsequently reduced to 273. KCC, Medway Council, Kent's Districts and Borough Councils have been asked for their help in bridging the funding gap.

Note 2: The full question and answer is available on County Council Question Page on this website.