Burnham proposes extra police for Manchester

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has announced budget proposals for Manchester’s essential services, including extra police numbers and congestion investment.

If agreed the proposals for how much Greater Manchester residents will be asked to contribute to services will be added to local council tax bills when they are set by each of the 10 Greater Manchester councils.

The police element of council tax is set to rise by £9.33 this year for the average council tax bill (Band B) in the region, which will see at least 50 new police officers recruited for neighbourhood policing, with PSCO numbers maintained. Additionally, faster improvements will be made to the non-emergency 101 service and the fire service budget will be protected and staff shortages addressed. An annual charge is proposed to be set at £7 a year for the average council tax bill in Greater Manchester.

Burnham said: “The government’s decision to cut Greater Manchester Police for the eighth year in a row, when the threat level remains high and crime is rising, means we have been left in a difficult position with no real choice but to ask our residents to fill the gap. And with this extra funding GMP will be asked to strengthen neighbourhood policing, ensure a strong police presence across GM and accelerate improvements in the 101 service.”