Ever wondered about what the Police and Crime Commissioner does for your money? This Thursday's local elections include the chance to vote for a Lib Dem, Tory, Reform UK or Labour candidate to oversee Cheshire Police. I suspect most people will have little idea what they stand for and I have had just one candidate's campaign leaflet through the door, with the usual 'please all' promises. Whatever happens one of them is set to get a handsome salary at our expense for an extra layer of bureaucracy, introduced by the Government, between the chief constable and Cheshire East and West Councils.
You may have noticed that every year the biggest above inflation increase in your council tax bill comes from the police precept. We are never told why this is. You may also have noticed that many of our police forces are reportedly not doing well on keeping up with crime. Greater Manchester Police have now been placed in special measures after a catalogue of failures over several years. The Police have a tough job and we wish them well, but there seems to be systemic failures in management that need sorting out. Instead of feel-good platitudes, we need answers from our Police and Crime Commissioners that are not forthcoming.
Brian McGavin
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
I would hope that the previous PCC is re-elected; having achieved much in the face of severe austerity measures. He has the experience and qualifications in every respect to take the Cheshire Constabulary forward, and will work at Police HQ; unlike our current PCC, where he will be able to hold the (New) Chief Constable to account on a daily basis.
Am I biased ? Yes, but only insofar as we the people of Cheshire, need the best qualified person for the post