'Risky game of poker' to secure police cash

Top Lincolnshire Police officers admitted they are playing a "risky game" with the Government to secure funding.

Force representatives are pleading with Whitehall to increase their funding, so the £7million needed to balance the books for next year is not paid for by raising police council tax precepts.

Increasing council tax would go directly against the Government's wishes, especially in what could be an election year, and could result in a tax capping.

At a police forum in Spalding chief constable Tony Lake and Angela Crowe, chairman of Lincolnshire's Police Authority, spoke of their determination to get the Government funding so such a tax rise is not necessary.

Mrs Crowe said: "We have chosen to play a game of poker. We are working tirelessly to make sure the Government helps us but we are having to take a decision this winter to make sure Lincolnshire Police is properly funded.

"We know if we raise council tax we go against Government policy, and it could cap us.

"However if this happens we have the evidence to show we have no other choice.

"It's a risky game but I am confident in the hand we are playing because it says we have a legitimate case."

Police have said that in order to maintain the current level of service provided, people living in band D properties would have to pay an extra £1.13 per week, which would need to rise to £2 to achieve a good or excellent police performance rating.

Lincolnshire Police is the worst funded force in the country, and the £7million needed to balance the books next year could rise to £14million by 2010.

Mr Lake said: "I have worked in five police forces who all complained about not having enough money but Lincolnshire has been in a far worse state than any of them.

"We have had to stop recruitment because of our financial situation, and I think the government has realised there's a real problem.

"Somehow or other this has got to be solved."
Spalding Today

News Added: 23 October, 2007

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