'HIGH COST' OF POLICE MERGER

Herstmonceux's MP MP Gregory Barker has slammed government plans to merge the Sussex and Surrey police forces, warning of a 20% hike in council tax to fund a politically motivated step towards regional government by stealth.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Mar 2006, 09:15 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:53 BST

Under the controversial arrangements, the number of police forces in England and Wales will be cut from 43 to 24, with the new Sussex and Surrey force stretching from the edge of Heathrow all the way to Bexhill and Battle.

Speaking in the constituency, Greg said: "There is little in the merger plans that will improve our community policing, something that is vital if the police are to tackle local crime. These proposals, rather than create a local focus, will make our existing county force more remote and unaccountable.

"I am all in favour of greater strategic cooperation between police forces to pool central resources and administration, but this does not require a merger. If these plans go ahead it will be hard pressed Sussex council tax payers that will be picking up the cost, with an estimated 20% hike in their council tax bill and very little to show for it!"