Police Authority budget capped

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) intends to cap the Police Authority’s budget in the coming two years.

DCLG wants to restrict GMPA’s police portion of the council tax bill (precept) in 2011 and 2012 because the Authority increased its precept by 7.5% in 2010 – the same amount the precept was increased in 2008 and 2009. 

Greater Manchester leaders said they were “surprised” and “disappointed” at the news, calling the decision as “unwanted interference” from central Government.

They say the increase was fully explored and supported by all local councils and was introduced to respond to the needs of local people.

Sir Richard Leese said: "This is simply unwanted interference from Central Government. Locally elected politicians know what our communities want.

“It was for that reason that three years ago we agreed a precept deal over and above the normal policing budget that would provide extra police officers on the streets for our communities.

“This was not a rash or irresponsible decision - it was a well devised and well executed strategy for policing. We all understand the financial constraints that our residents live with on a daily basis."