Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, has called for a debate on Rural Policing following the release of Government figures that revealed robbery offences in Norfolk had increased by 24 per cent, the highest in the country.
Christopher Fraser reminded the House of Commons that he had consistently called on the Government to provide adequate funding for Norfolk Constabulary, and said that the figures showed that Government policy on policing was failing Norfolk.
Speaking afterwards, Christopher Fraser said:
“The reply by the Leader of the House was extraordinarily complacent and made no attempt to answer my question. She commended Norfolk Constabulary on the excellent job it does in fighting crime, and claimed that it had received “extra money” from Government. Who then is she holding responsible for these figures?
“I believe Norfolk police do a great job in the most difficult circumstances, but shocking increase in robberies is evidence of a serious problem. In terms of finance, Norfolk Police Authority had to make up a £1m shortfall in Government funding this year by increasing its charge to Council Tax payers. Without that, we would not have Community Support Police Officers across South West Norfolk.
The Government must relieve the burden of paperwork and bureaucracy, and recognise that their policies are failing Norfolk. Yet again, we are let down and our needs ignored. I suspect that Ministers hope these figures will be forgotten over the summer break, but I will continue to press them on the urgent need to recognise the problem and offer solutions. |