Essex's Police and Crime Commissioner wants to raise an extra 50p a week from every household to fund 300 more officers.
Does he indeed? But it seems he can't:
… but to increase the police council tax precept by more than two per cent, the police and crime commissioner is required under Government rules to call a public vote.
So, call one! What have you got to lose?
“To go above the Government cap, I would have to have a referendum and that it almost guaranteed to fail.
“It’s very expensive and I would not be allowed to explain why. The way the question would be framed is ‘Would you be prepared to agree a 20 per cent increase?’ with just a yes or no answer.
“All the advice I have been given is that it is highly unlikely that people will say yes.
Ahahahahahahahahaha!
“I am writing to the Home Secretary to see if the rules can be changed so PCCs are allowed to do what they think is right with the precept.”
Because the Home Secretary is well known for giving police everything they demand? Good luck, chum!
“I think if I had the chance to explain, people would be willing. Very rarely are they opposed to it when I speak about it.”
Maybe it's down to the people you are speaking to? Talk about salting the mine!
Mr Alston added: “In Essex we pay less than any other county except one. We would still be paying less than average if we increased it by 50 pence a week. I think that is wrong and I think we need to be bolder.
“I would be really disappointed if people in Essex felt it was the wrong thing to do. Three hundred officers would make a tangible difference.”
Yes, they could
investigate more politically correct nonsense while
avoiding any real hard work, couldn't they?
All true, but on the plus side at least Essex Police are concentrating on the really important job of acting as hired guns for the Gaystapo:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-32956948
Doesn't the idiot realise that people want value for what they are forced to pay?
ReplyDeleteWhere are the police out on foot patrol?
Where are the police when a house has been broken into?
Where are the police when there is a mugging?
Where are the police?
Well, is all this "Democcracy" crap not a bastard.
ReplyDeleteAnd what is this shite, that he will not be able to put his point on the ballot paper?
Does he even know how elections/Referenda work?
50p per week? Who pays council tax weekly you underhanded bastard?
ReplyDeleteWhat do the higher echelons of Essex Constabulary cost the taxpayer? How much was paid by the taxpayer for senior plod's exotic (probably German) conveyances?
ReplyDeleteI wager that silver tongue makes you a big hit with the ladies, mine Fürrier.
ReplyDeleteHe could tell the public that his was the force which ran a vital operation stopping traffic in the hope of catching people smoking in company cars.
ReplyDeleteThe votes would flood in.
“I would be really disappointed if people in Essex felt it was the wrong thing to do."
ReplyDeleteIt makes me sad when State employees are disappointed by us. They should get a new people as Brecht advised.
"...but on the plus side at least Essex Police are concentrating on the really important job of acting as hired guns for the Gaystapo:"
ReplyDeleteOnly 'a contribution' to his legal fees?
"It makes me sad when State employees are disappointed by us. They should get a new people as Brecht advised."
They DO appear to be trying...!