The Labour West Midlands PCC has announced at least 30 police station will close across the region (see BBC News article).
I spoke to ITV Central Tonight about the “ridiculous” closure policy alongside local MP Andrew Mitchell. You can watch the report via this link here or in the video box above.
Below is a statement about the issue:
Jay Singh-Sohal was the Conservative PCC candidate between 2019-2021, and campaigned to stop Labour’s police station closures.
He says the announcement is yet more politics from the Police Commissioner ahead of an election year and that now the role off PCC should be merged with the West Midlands Mayoralty to save taxpayers money and create synergies when it comes to tackling high crime:
“For more than a decade, Labour PCCs have been closing police stations whilst blaming government for a lack of funding. They have cited the millions their closure policy would save and the large repair bill of more than £20m to be paid were they not. Now, miraculously, the Police Commissioner has both the money to keep stations open in Labour target seat areas and the funds to refurbish them too so they are fit for purpose.
“We shouldn’t be surprised that he has overlooked Aldridge, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, as this is a party-political decision not one that is designed to enhance local policing provision and tackle high crime in our region.
“Since the PCC was introduced in the West Midlands in 2022 crime has increased by 113% whilst residents are paying ever-more in local policing precept. It’s time to admit that we are not getting value from a PCC, merger into the Mayor’s office would ensure we do.”
Ends.
Jay Singh-Sohal 