Council considered a motion deferred from the July meeting of Council. The motion had been submitted by Councillors Ian Pattison, David Smith, Margaret Pattison, David Whitaker, Ron Sands, Paul Aitchinson and Robert Redfern.
It was moved by Councillor Ian Pattison and seconded by Councillor Whitaker:
“This Council requests that the Chief Executive of Lancaster City Council write to the Home Secretary to express growing concerns at the 20% reduction on police budgets, as discussed at a recent meeting of the Lancashire Police Authority, which stated that this reduction in the police budget has resulted in an increase in crime.
Lancaster City Council therefore calls upon Teresa May MP to seriously look at reversing these cuts to enable the people across the district to receive the level of protection and police presence they deserve.”
It was noted that the proposers of the motion had asked for the wording to be changed slightly from that appearing on the Council agenda of 18 July 2012.
An Officer briefing note had been provided for Members’ information.
Following a lengthy debate, the Mayor called for a vote to be taken. 24 Members voted for the motion, 17 against and 5 Members abstained. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Resolved:
(1) This Council requests that the Chief Executive of Lancaster City Council write to the Home Secretary to express growing concerns at the 20% reduction on police budgets, as discussed at a recent meeting of the Lancashire police Authority, which stated that this reduction in the police budget has resulted in an increase in crime.
(2) Lancaster City Council therefore calls upon Teresa May MP to seriously look at reversing these cuts to enable the people across the district to receive the level of protection and police presence they deserve.