Southport MP, Damien Moore, has today responded to a recent statement issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, asking residents for an increase in the police precept.
The Commissioner, who is based in Wavertree, stated on Tuesday that the increase would equate to approximately 31p a week or £16 a year for a Band A household, the lowest Council Tax category but the majority of council tax payers on Merseyside.
A number of consultations will now be held asking residents if they would be willing to contribute toward the extra funding. However, no consultation will be held in Southport.
Damien Moore MP responded:
‘Once again, my constituents are being asked by a Labour Party representative to be a cashcow for something they will not benefit from.
‘Residents in Southport know that by falling under a Labour Police & Crime Commissioner, and being on the cusp of Merseyside, police officers are too often diverted to Liverpool, leaving Southport prone to crimes being committed from those who see it as each catch.
‘When the Labour Commissioner asks Southport residents for more money, she is doing so with full knowledge that Southport is neither the cause nor recipient of this additional funding.
‘The Commissioner isn’t even holding a consultation in Southport, which shows the distain Labour have for our town. Residents here will have to travel to Bootle to speak with her.
‘I have written to the Commissioner to request a straight forward answer as to whether any of these 40 new posts will be created in Southport, and to provide a guarantee that forces will not be called to Liverpool.’
Residents only have until 3rd February to respond to the consultation on the PCC website.
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