Clive said: "I would like to clarify that the 'offer' by the former Conservative administration at Lancashire County Council to invest this money into PCSOs was never formally made. Cllr Driver's political posturing never amounted to anything my office could consider – and there were a number of significant problems with the initial suggestion, such as what added value these additional PCSOs would bring and how their jobs could be sustained at the end of the three-year funding commitment. None of these issues were formally discussed prior to the May election, when the public failed to back Cllr Driver's party."
He added, "It is complete nonsense for Cllr Driver to claim the police have rejected the chance to bolster PCSO numbers in the county. I know communities value their PCSOs, and I have made it clear maintaining PCSO numbers is a priority for me. That is why I have ring-fenced the total PCSO budget in Lancashire and committed to match-funding where local authorities continue to do so."
The PCC commented on the new Labour-led coalition's plans for local police by saying, "Following the election Cllr Mein's administration contacted us to make us aware funds were available and to formally discuss how they could be used most effectively. I believe this new proposal is innovative and brings significant benefits for both the County Council and the Constabulary in how we deal with vulnerable people. The scheme will reduce future demand on both our services, gives good value for money through match-funding and has also allowed us to submit a bid into the Government's new Police Innovation Fund which, if successful, will bring even more resources to Lancashire."
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