Decision details

The confidential report of the Director of Public Protection, Streetscene and Community was presented by the Executive Member (Public Protection).  The report updated Members on changes being made by Lancashire Constabulary to the number and deployment of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) in the Chorley Council area.

Decision:

1.         Approval granted to continue the funding support for PCSO deployment in Chorley at current levels with an annual review to commence as part of the budget setting process for financial year 2016/17.

2.         The planned reduction in PCSO numbers and the Constabulary’s use of an element of the PCSO resource to be directed to early intervention and prevention case work was noted. 

3.         Approval granted to task senior Council Officers to continue discussions with Lancashire Constabulary to implement any reduction in PCSO resource in consultation with the Council and at a pace that minimises its impact.

Reasons for recommendation(s)

To ensure that a significant PCSO resource over and above minimum risk and threat level is retained in Chorley.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

The Council could decide to withdraw all funding for PCSO’s or scale it back. It would be prudent to understand fully the pace of the intended Constabulary reductions and assess its impact on our neighbourhood and community safety work before this was considered further