Lib Dems slam exaggerated Tory boasts on Derbyshire police funding as ‘smoke and mirrors’

Erewash Liberal Democrats have attacked local Conservative boasts about police funding as "smoke and mirrors" that dress up a potential Council Tax rise as if it were extra funding from the Government.

Local Conservatives have claimed that "Derbyshire Police is set to receive an additional £10.5 million in its funding, thanks to the Conservative Government's increase to police budgets." However, detailed Home Office figures reveal that the Government is only providing Derbyshire Police with an extra £5.8 million for the financial year 2021-22.

The Conservative figures assume that the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner will raise the extra £4.7 million through a £15 increase in the Council Tax precept (based on Band D). This increase will be applied to all council tax payers in Derbyshire, including all council tax payers in Erewash.

Conservative Derbyshire PCC has opened a consultation on this council tax rise which can be accessed here http://www.derbyshire-pcc.gov.uk/Budget2021-22, where you can raise your objection to this rise.

James Archer, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Erewash, said:

"Too many people feel unsafe in their own homes and walking down their own streets. Our police are overstretched, and many parts of Erewash see no visible policing.

"The Conservatives are desperate to seem tough on crime, but are failing to do enough to actually prevent crime. They have cut youth and other support services and this has directly contributed to the rise in violent crime.

"Now they want you to pay more to lock up the disaffected youths these cuts have created. People in Erewash deserve better."

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said:

"The Tories' boasts about police funding are nothing but smoke and mirrors.

"At a time when our police are under enormous pressure, Priti Patel has abrogated her responsibility and passed the buck to local police chiefs.

"It's just not good enough. The Government must give forces the funding they need to restore proper community policing and make us all safer."