100 more police jobs are at risk due to tax freeze
ON PATROL New special constables needed
UP to 100 extra jobs face the axe following a decision to freeze council tax for policing, Hampshire’s top officer has warned.
Chief Constable Alex Marshall says Hampshire Police Authority’s decision not to approve a 3.25 per cent hike could mean more job losses.
The force is already axing 1,100 posts - about 400 police officers and 700 staff - as it battles to save £53m.
Now the force will need to find an extra £3.294m of savings to bridge the funding gap.
Mr Marshall said: ‘The effect of the decision is likely to lead to that figure not being 1,100, but up to 100 more than the original 1,100.
‘Eighty-five per cent of our budget is people. As a result of needing another £3m we will employ fewer people.’
He added: ‘I am disappointed in the outcome of the meeting but I have a strong team of people, we are a strong organisation and we will continue to protect local visible policing.’
After five votes police authority members yesterday ‘reluctantly’ voted to accept a one-off £3.043m government grant and freeze council tax for the second year running.
The average person living in a band D property will continue to pay £146.25 for policing from April.
Mr Marshall and Hampshire Police Federation chairman John Apter had each recommended a council tax rise.
Mr Apter said: ‘This decision will have a negative impact on providing a front line service and this will be seen by officers as a slap in the face by the police authority.’
Police authority member Judy Venables said: ‘The effect of either raising the precept or taking the government grant is minimal this year but after that the effects will be felt.
‘It’s going to be a financial hole that’s going to be very difficult to fill.’
Cllr Sean Woodward, finance committee vice-chairman said: ‘All public authorities are under huge pressures to save money and keep council tax down.’
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Friday 25 May 2012
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Comments
There are 26 comments to this article
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Airwolf
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 05:06 AMso both the daily mail and the bbc are wrong? and tom winsor is wrong too? lol you do make me giggle!
The Watcher....
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 10:35 PM@24 - you are still wrong. I know!
Airwolf
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 04:59 AMmmm watcher, did you not say all police officers have to go through a annual fitness test? Now you're changing it to hampshire only? The link you provided was a pilot scheme from 2010! Now come on have a delicious slice...
The Watcher....
Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 12:42 AM@ 22 - I'll give you that one, actually made me chuckle..lol
cooter2
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 05:53 PMas i said before i have dyslexia and am doing my best.if the bells wind you up you could start the end the bells society .or bell end for short . you insult me for no reason .i will still give you a big hug if you want .i wait patiently for more insults .ding ding or should i say ring ring
The Watcher....
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 05:22 PMHope you saved some pie.. .http:www.bbc.co.uknewsuk-england-hampshire-10811644
The Watcher....
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 05:06 PMcooter2 - suggest you learn the English language before you enter into a debate on here. How you be taken seriously when you obviously have the IQ and writing ability of a small child! HaHa...
The Watcher....
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 05:00 PM@13 - you are wrong. All operational police officers in Hampshire have to undergo an annual fitness test. Suggest you ask the police themselves!
cooter2
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 01:59 PMits not watchers fault he is just grouchy because he lives next to a church and he is complaining about the bells waking him up on sundays ,he has a go at anyone he can. he just needs a hug
wizard of oz
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 01:35 PMAirwolf you better save the whole humble pie for Watcher.
Airwolf
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 01:11 PMhttp:www.telegraph.co.ukhealthhealthnews8798374Fat-bobbies-to-escape-annual-fitness-tests.html
Airwolf
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 01:00 PMI have a delicious humble pie baking, would you like a slice?
Airwolf
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 12:59 PMhttp:www.dailymail.co.uknewsarticle-2004677Police-annual-fitness-test-stop-blue-line-getting-fat.html
Airwolf
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 12:56 PMWatcher, google annual police fitness test and a link is there in the first few results which clearly states regular police do not have an annual fitness test, it was even highlighted in the recent report on policing. The only fitness test in place is for firearms, dog and riot officers. The latter was recently in the news where a female officer failed the riot fitness test and claimed it was humiliating and won a 5 figure payout in court. The report you need to look at was written by tom winsor. 55 is the operational retirement age for firemen, there are waranted police officers still working past 60. As for age related deployments this is also backed up in winsor's report.
cooter2
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 12:10 PMon my last visit i tried to report a drink driver,luckily upon leaving the station i saw a police officer and reported it to him ,now one drink driver less roaming the streets. i will not respond to your feeble wind up watcher because i am a doer. thankyou and goodnight
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