Capping Police Is Not The Answer To Tackling Crime And Disorder

12.00.00am GMT Mon 7th Feb 2005

Police plans to combat crime and disorder in our communities are being put at risk by the mad-cap politics of Sue Essex, Liberal Democrats have warned.

In the week that Ms Essex warned local authorities and police authorities that she would be limiting the amount they can spend, the Home Office settlement reveals that two out of Wales' four police authorities will get the smallest increase in grants across England and Wales. Chief Constables have already warned that offices might be taken off the streets.

Michael German, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Welsh Assembly, said: "Capping police spending sends precisely the wrong message. A government truly committed to tackling crime and disorder in our communities would allow the police to decide the resources they need to meet the needs of the areas they serve.

"Imposing a cap on spending will do nothing to tackle anti-social behaviour. We share Sue Essex's wish to see low council tax rises - but her method is a disgrace. Instead of giving local authorities enough money to meet their needs in her budget, she sold them short, and is now stopping them raising the money they need locally."

Mr. German is not alone in his criticism of the Labour Assembly Government's handling of the council budget settlement. The Welsh Local Government Association, led by Labour councillor Alex Aldridge has criticised Sue Essex's actions as "unnecessary and arbitrary".

Mr German added: "Since 1999, the Assembly and local government have enjoyed a constructive relationship. Sue Essex has placed all that at risk. As a former council leader she should know better than most the pressures that council leaders are facing. Her actions are deeply disappointing."