Police pension changes could lead to fewer officers

A COUNCILLOR from Hinckley is highlighting a change to the rules on police pensions which could mean fewer officers on the beat in Leicestershire.

Cllr David Bill is concerned one in ten police officer roles will be lost from the Leicestershire force once the rule changes come into force. The changes will mean police forces across the country, including Leicestershire Police, will have pay more from their budgets towards staff pensions.

The possible loss of one in ten officers was set out in a letter sent to MPs by Leicestershire Police chief constable Simon Cole and the county’s police commissioner Lord Willy Bach.

Cllr David Bill took the issue to a Leicestershire County Council meeting. He called for fellow councillors to support a motion underlining the recent £30 million Leicestershire Police cuts, the possible loss of one in ten officers and the increasing pressure on officers from cybercrime, fraud and safeguarding vulnerable people.

But councillors instead voted for an amended motion saying the council couldn’t comment on changes to the rules on police pensions which may be taken to court. The amended motion is to push for a good deal for the county’s council, police and fire service in the forthcoming government comprehensive spending review rather concentrating on police cuts.

Cllr Bill, who represents Hinckley’s Hollycroft ward for the Liberal Democrats on Leicestershire County Council said: “I take the view that as representatives of the people who elect us we need to protect and those vital services on which we all depend – education, health and the police.

“I am sorry to have to report that the Conservative and Labour Parties take a different view and voted instead for a much watered down version with the statement which I find extraordinary – “The County Council is not in a position to comment on the above.”