Building Safer Communities

Published on Sunday 20th February 2011 by Jon Hubbard

Wiltshire is set to lose 150 police officers by 2014.

Inevitably this will lead to greater pressures for those left, and increased concerns for many in our communities. We therefore welcome the intention to recruit more Special Constables to help meet the challenge of reduced police budgets.

The Liberal Democrats propose setting up a special fund which will provide a one year relief on Council Tax to all residents who sign up as special constables in 2011/12.

The term ‘special’ is particularly appropriate for those people who choose to give up their time and energy to train and serve as Police ‘Specials’ and we fully recognise people do not make this decision purely because a council tax rebate is offered.

However, we should recognise the good work these unpaid Police Officers do. In this time of austerity and cost pressures for both individuals and the Police we hope that this measure will help promote and continue the recruitment of these special individuals.

Our increased funding will:

Provide a one year incentive for new volunteers as Special Constables, with a 100% rebate on the Council Tax payable to Wiltshire Council.

 Budget Response, February 2011 (1.1 MB)