MPs welcome more officers for Cheshire as PCC approves policing budget

MPs in Cheshire have welcomed a police recruitment drive which they say has resulted in an “additional” 91 police officers on the streets.

It comes as Cheshire’s PCC David Keane also this week approved a 2021-22 budget to recruit another 88 officers by raising the policing precept of Council Tax by £1.25 per month for Band D property holders.

And the Government has announced a second round of the £20 million Safer Streets Fund aimed at targeting neighbourhood crime.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan and Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson said the new 91 Cheshire officers over the past 12 months brings the total number of police across Cheshire up to 2,171.

In a joint statement, they said: “Getting more police officers onto our streets is one of the people’s priorities.

“I am pleased that in just over one year, this Government has already delivered an extra 91 officers across Cheshire.

“These officers will make an enormous difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe – and I know that many more will follow as this Government continues to deliver on its promise to recruit 20,000 more over the next three years.

“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we are keeping the public and our communities safe, so that people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”

PCC David Keane said: “In reaching my decision regarding the precept, I have carefully considered the views of the public, any government announcements, and the recommendations made to me by the Chief Constable.

“It is important to note that policing is still recovering from years of cuts and the demands we face continue to grow, both in volume and complexity.

“With the support of the public, however, we have been able to invest in our front line and I believe this budget will provide the chief constable with the resources needed to make our communities safer.”