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Thursday, January 16 - Wednesday, January 22, 2014 11
PCC warns about effects of cop cuts HAMPSHIRE County Council wants residents to fill in an online survey, as part of a customer service review by the authority. Developments in technology and social media have prompted HCC to launch the survey to ensure maximum efficiency in keeping pace with issues in the county. HCC leader, Councillor Roy Perry, said: “It’s important to make sure we’re getting the balance right and that people get what they need with least hassle in a way that suits them.� Visit www.hants.gov.uk/residentsurvey to view the poll.
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“This time by ÂŁ25m, which equates to approximately 555 police officers. “It is getting more difficult to keep up the level of neighbourhood policing people want and, quite frankly, should expect.â€? Mr Hayes added that continued cuts would reduce policing to “dangerousâ€? levels, and would “risk handing to upper hand to criminalsâ€?. Residents are being asked to give their opinion on the propos-
als on an online survey, available at www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk. It can also be accessed via Mr Hayes’ Twitter account and Facebook page. Consultations will close on Wednesday, with Mr Hayes debating the proposal next Friday (January 24). “I believe that we must maintain a safe level of neighbourhood policing, including PCSOs on our streets, and this is why I am left with no option but to propose a precept increase,� added Mr Hayes. “But I want to hear the public’s view on this. “Our short online survey is an
• Hampshire PCC Simon Hayes easy and simple way to let me know whether you agree with this proposal or not.�
Dunn deal! Stewart takes the reins as new chamber chief HAMPSHIRE Chamber of Commerce has elected a new CEO after its previous chief retired. Stewart Dunn will take up the role next month, after current CEO Jimmy Chestnutt announced his retirement following nine years in the role. Mr Dunn is currently Managing Director of Carswell Gould,
an award-winning integrated marketing communications agency. Mr Dunn said: “I am really looking forward to taking up my appointment as CEO at this very exciting time for the organisation as Government recognises, through the Heseltine report, that the Chamber
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is the first choice for helping to deliver business growth for the region.� Mr Chestnutt added: “Stewart will bring a wealth of business and media experience to the Chamber which will be invaluable in supporting the Chamber’s initiatives for business growth in the months ahead.�
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By James Booker
PEOPLE of Basingstoke are being urged by the borough council to voice their opinions on the authority’s climate change strategy. BDBC’s update draft pledges to reduce carbon emissions year-by-year and ‘lead by example’, and to further encourage residents to think more about cutting their individual carbon footprint. The consultation runs until January 27. Cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Robert Donnell, said: “Addressing climate change is a key priority for the council. “We have committed to reducing carbon emissions, working with local partners and with all sectors of the community to raise awareness and encourage change to meet national targets. “It is important that as a borough council we lead on this matter locally and the updated Climate Change Strategy will enable us to do that, setting out clear objectives and methods to achieve our targets.� For more information call 01256 845750, email climatechange@basingstoke.gov.uk or visit the council website: www. basingstoke.gov.uk/go/climatechangestrategy.
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News Bites ‘It’s important to make sure we are getting the balance right’
Simon Hayes plans to raise the policing precept by 3 per cent, after the force’s funding from central government was slashed as part of the recent cuts. This will mean asking the average Band D household in Basingstoke and around Hmapshire will pay an additional ÂŁ4.54 a year, or 9 pence a week, raising the total bill to ÂŁ155.79 per year. Additional cuts to those announced in 2010 mean that the constabulary will receive ÂŁ41million less in the coming fi nancial year compared to four years ago. Further cuts in the region of ÂŁ25million are expected for 2015-17, to which the constabulary is responding with an extensive re-organisation programme. “These are very, very difficult times for policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight,â€? said Mr Hayes. “It would be wrong of me not to tell the public the truth about the impact of government cuts. “Our police service has been praised by Government as a well performing and well run service, yet Ministers are again cutting the money for policing in our communities.
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HAMPSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has lamented the “very, very difficult� times for policing after proposing an increase in the policing element of council tax.
Have your say on borough’s climate change strategies‌
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