MP Rayner slams neighbourhood policing cuts

The total number of neighbourhood police across the North West has fallen by over 41 per cent over recent years, from 5,659 in 2015 to 3,312 in 2022

MP Angela Rayner has slammed stark cuts to neighbourhood police numbers as anti-social behaviour continues to blight people’s lives.

More than 14 million people across the country reported graffiti, drug dealing and noisy neighbours last year.

Meanwhile, the total number of neighbourhood police across the North West has fallen by over 41 per cent over recent years, from 5,659 in 2015 to 3,312 in 2022.

Nationally, the total number of neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs has fallen by 10,000 since 2015.

Ms Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne and Failsworth, said: “Antisocial behavior is a real blight on people’s lives and tackling it should be one of the government’s top priorities.

“There’s nothing quite like a visible police presence in your area to make you feel safe.

"We need to restore neighbourhood policing, with visible neighbourhood police hubs in all local areas backed by new neighbourhood prevention team made up of police, community support officers, youth workers and council staff.

“These teams would prioritise being visible on patrols, preventing crime before it happens and working with communities to address local problem.

"They would pursue serial perpetrators of ASB or low-level crime, as well as dealing with visible signs of disorder such as broken windows, graffiti, fly-tipping, or drug dealing.

"These teams will also support victims of anti-social behaviour.

“In September, 2020, the Home Secretary wrote to the Victims Commissioner to express her concern about “the serious impact that persistent anti-social behaviour can have on both individuals and communities”.

"Yet there have been no specific reforms since that point – Britain deserves better.”

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