Gordon Warns On Community Cohesion
Gordon is warning the town’s improved community cohesion and success in fighting crime and anti-social behaviour is at risk from the new Government’s on-going programme of spending cuts.
He made the comments after meeting with the Council’s Chief Executive Steve Weaver and Chief Superintendent Richard Debicki to review the impact of funding cuts already announced and the threat of bigger ones to come with Government threats of 25 per cent or more spending cuts in Whitehall departments funding in the autumn.
‘Last week Lancashire Constabulary had over £3 million cut from its police grant by the new police minister. In addition the cuts this Government has already applied to Blackpool Council’s area grant – Twice the size of the national average – is already hitting initiatives and jobs in projects like Reassurance Plus.
The nearly 60 Police Community Support officers we have across Blackpool – who depend on a mix of funding from Council, the home office and other local bodies – have been really important for co-ordinating with local residents the campaigns against and reduction in antisocial behaviour and in promoting safer neighbourhoods If their numbers are slashed here through Government cuts, the continuing record falls in offences in Blackpool and across Lancashire recently could be reversed.’
‘I am urging the Council and other local bodies to do all they can to prevent severe cuts in Police and community support in the autumn. That includes telling the Government now to recognise Blackpool’s special case for support because of transience, visitor numbers and our areas of significant deprivation.
They should lay off singling Blackpool out for above-average cuts as they have done in various announcements in the past month. Blackpool’s voluntary sector, community and charitable groups have a proud record of activity and achievements in the town. But they can’t maintain, let alone expand that role if Government pushes them down instead of giving them a leg-up!”
