Heath attacks Tory-led county council over PCSO funding fears (From Yeovil Express)

Heath attacks Tory-led county council over PCSO funding fears

5:30pm Thursday 22nd October 2009

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SOMERTON MP David Heath has spoken out today in the House of Commons against Conservatives at Somerset County Council possibly having plans to cut the budget for Police Community Support Officers.

The LibDems have suggested that the Tory-run council will cut a quarter of the authority's budget for PCSOs - amounting to £129,000 which would pay for four officers.

The Conservatives at County Hall have today vigorously hit back at the accusations and said that no decisions have yet been made and have accused the LibDems of raising the fear of crime among residents across the county.

Mr Heath, who previously served as leader of the county council and as chairman of Avon and Somerset Police Authority, said that he could not believe that it was right to cut front-line policing.

He asked Harriet Harman for a debate on the issue at Business Questions this morning.

Mr Heath said: "I am appalled with this decision. With the recent announcement that the Labour government is cutting back Magistrates Courts in rural areas, this cut to PCSOs budget is a foolish move from the Conservatives.

"No one wants to feel as though they live in a lawless community or indeed one where support is not readily available should they need it."

For the full text of the Commons debate, please click on the link in our "related articles" section on this page of our website.

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