By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Dozens of police and community support officers (PCSOs) could be axed amid fears up to a third could go as Gloucestershire Constabulary faces a £12.3 million funding gap.
Conservative police and crime commissioner Chris Nelson says they are having to make difficult choices amid a difficult financial picture.
It was announced in September that they had a £7m funding gap, but that has since risen to £12.3m.
And redundancies are expected across the constabulary to bridge a £12.3million gap.
Temporary chief constable Maggie Blyth said earlier this month (February) that she has “not seen a time where public sector finances are as stretched as they are now” in 35 years of public service.
And now Independent Conservative County Councillor Alastair Chambers fears up to a third of the roughly 120 PCSOs in the county could be cut.
He praised Mr Nelson for “working tirelessly to boost police numbers” and said the PCSO recruitment drive has been a “resounding success”.
But he fears cuts to policing will lead to a rise in crime across Gloucestershire.
The Coney Hill and Matson councillor claims Labour are to blame for police cuts despite the Conservatives being in charge of policing in the county since 2021, and the previous 14 years of Tory government in Westminster.
“I personally know several PCSOs who are dedicated to serving our community,” Cllr Chambers said.
“They play a crucial role by easing the burden on police officers—acting as mediators and resolving issues before they escalate, often without the need for police intervention.
“That’s why the government’s decision to slash budgets and axe hundreds of PCSOs nationwide is such a devastating blow to community safety.
“PCSOs are the backbone of visible policing, fostering trust, preventing crime, and providing reassurance to residents.
“Removing them from our streets not only jeopardises public safety but also erodes the vital relationships that hold our communities together.”
He says there are around 120 PCSOs in the county and fears cutting a third of these would be a “brutal” setback to communities in Gloucestershire.
“These cuts send the wrong message at a time when investment in local policing is needed more than ever,” he said.
“Our communities deserve better than to be left vulnerable by short-sighted financial decisions.” He fears funding cuts by Labour will be reflected in the county’s crime figures.
However, policing, fire and crime prevention minister Dame Diana Johnson said the final police funding settlement is up to £19.6 billion this year – an increase of £1.1 billion when compared to the current financial year.
“Of that, Gloucestershire will receive up to £168.2 million, an increase of over £10 million, including £1.5 million to kickstart the recruitment of additional neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers in Gloucestershire,” she said in response to a question from South Cotswolds Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage this week.
And Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre said the core funding for Gloucestershire Constabulary’s core funding has increased significantly this year.
“The force has received £1 million in additional Hot Spot funding to combat serious violence and anti-social behaviour, and £1.5 million in additional funding for neighbourhood policing. Cllr Chambers statement about cuts to funding is simply false.
“Issues with Gloucestershire Constabulary’s budget have been increasing over a number of years, and I have already secured a meeting with the Policing Minister to discuss this in greater detail.
“Recent announcements from Gloucestershire Constabulary have emphasized that frontline police officers will be protected and the Labour government are absolutely committed to neighbourhood policing.”
PCC Chris Nelson said he has always fought hard to protect neighbourhood policing.
But the challenging financial climate nationally means he has to make difficult choices.
“I have always fought hard to protect neighbourhood policing as much as possible because I know how valuable it is to help make communities feel safer,” he said.
“The challenging national financial climate means that despite my best efforts to secure as much additional funding as possible for Gloucestershire, and reform the outdated police funding formula, we have to make difficult choices.
“Nevertheless, I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account and ensure neighbourhood policing is as strong as we can afford it to be in Gloucestershire.”
A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesperson said along with other forces in the UK, they are facing considerable financial challenges.
“As a result, we have, with deep regret, entered a period of collective consultation with UNISON to begin discussions about a possible reduction of some police staff posts,” a spokesperson said.
“As those discussions are ongoing, it is not appropriate at this stage to discuss details of any redundancy proposals that may be made.
“We are committed to providing an effective Neighbourhood Policing service and will continue to have dedicated teams of officers, including special constables, and PCSOs working in the heart of local communities and focused on those areas where people face the greatest threat, risk and harm.
“Ensuring visible patrols take place regularly in all our communities, that crimes are thoroughly and robustly investigated, and offenders are arrested and brought to justice remain key priorities for us.”