Agenda item

Motion Submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group - Responding to Greater Manchester Police Special Measures

 

This Council notes with deep concern:

 

-   The December 17th announcement that Greater Manchester Police will enter the ‘engage’ phase of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMIC) formal monitoring process.

-   That this is only the second time a police force has required this level of intervention.

-   That 80,100 crimes went unrecorded in the year ending 30June 2020, equating to 220 crimes each day or one in five crimes in total across the period.

-   That HMIC has indicated that one in four violent crimes went unrecorded.

-   The failure of the force to improve after initial concerns were raised by the Inspectorate in 2016, indicating a serious lack of organisation and leadership within Greater Manchester Police.

-   That the inspectorate has estimated a drop of 11.3% in recorded crimes since 2018.

-   That the inspectorate found that some investigations had been wrongly and prematurely concluded.

-   The resignation and ill health of former Chief Superintendent Ian Hopkins. The Council thanks him for his service to the city region.

 

This Council also notes that:

 

-   The majority of Greater Manchester Police staff perform their duties with a high degree of dedication and professionalism and this Council thanks them for their service in challenging times.

-   Since 2016, GMP has endured frontline cuts amounting to 33% of its PCSOs and 6% of its support staff.

-   This places GMP at a significant disadvantage given that since 2016, the average cut to PCSOs across England and Wales has been 6%.

 

The Council recognises the significant challenge that coronavirus has posed to policing and gives thanks to all GMP personnel, who work tirelessly to protect communities across Trafford.

 

This Council welcomes the publication of the Police Foundations first report, ‘The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales’ which was published in July 2020. The report highlights the difficulties that our police forces face, placing them in the context of severe police cuts which Conservative governments continue to pursue.

 

This Council particularly notes (from the above report):

 

-   ‘… the critical importance of developing the public dialogue in relation to policing and public safety. Substantive strategic change is unlikely to be achieved while the public understanding of ‘what the police do’ extends very little beyond functions.’

 

This council resolves to:

 

-   Extend its full support and cooperation to GMP, HMIC and other affiliated stakeholders throughout the monitoring process.

-   Work towards the Police Foundations objective of preventative, community focused policing by highlighting opportunities to bring local officers and residents together at a borough and ward level.

-   Request that the Mayor of Greater Manchester provides a detailed report to Trafford Council indicating the action plan that will be undertaken in order to return policing in the Borough and the city region to an efficient and effective level.

Minutes:

(Note: Before consideration of the next matter, the time being 8:45 p.m., the Deputy Mayor indicated that speeches on this item of business would be limited to a maximum of two minutes per speaker.)

 

(Note: Councillor Evans declared a personal interest in the next matter since his wife was a prospective Greater Manchester Mayoral Candidate and Councillor Freeman also declared a personal interest being in receipt of an occupational pension from Greater Manchester Police.)

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

This Council notes with deep concern:

 

-     The December 17th announcement that Greater Manchester Police will enter the ‘engage’ phase of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMIC) formal monitoring process.

-     That this is only the second time a police force has required this level of intervention.

-     That 80,100 crimes went unrecorded in the year ending 30June 2020, equating to 220 crimes each day or one in five crimes in total across the period.

-     That HMIC has indicated that one in four violent crimes went unrecorded.

-     The failure of the force to improve after initial concerns were raised by the Inspectorate in 2016, indicating a serious lack of organisation and leadership within Greater Manchester Police.

-     That the inspectorate has estimated a drop of 11.3% in recorded crimes since 2018.

-     That the inspectorate found that some investigations had been wrongly and prematurely concluded.

-     The resignation and ill health of former Chief Superintendent Ian Hopkins. The Council thanks him for his service to the city region.

 

This Council also notes that:

 

-     The majority of Greater Manchester Police staff perform their duties with a high degree of dedication and professionalism and this Council thanks them for their service in challenging times.

-     Since 2016, GMP has endured frontline cuts amounting to 33% of its PCSOs and 6% of its support staff.

-     This places GMP at a significant disadvantage given that since 2016, the average cut to PCSOs across England and Wales has been 6%.

 

The Council recognises the significant challenge that coronavirus has posed to policing and gives thanks to all GMP personnel, who work tirelessly to protect communities across Trafford.

 

This Council welcomes the publication of the Police Foundations first report, ‘The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales’ which was published in July 2020. The report highlights the difficulties that our police forces face, placing them in the context of severe police cuts which Conservative governments continue to pursue.

 

This Council particularly notes (from the above report):

 

-     ‘… the critical importance of developing the public dialogue in relation to policing and public safety. Substantive strategic change is unlikely to be achieved while the public understanding of ‘what the police do’ extends very little beyond functions.’

 

This Council resolves to:

 

-     Extend its full support and cooperation to GMP, HMIC and other affiliated stakeholders throughout the monitoring process.

-     Work towards the Police Foundations objective of preventative, community focused policing by highlighting opportunities to bring local officers and residents together at a borough and ward level.

-     Request that the Mayor of Greater Manchester provides a detailed report to Trafford Council indicating the action plan that will be undertaken in order to return policing in the Borough and the city region to an efficient and effective level.

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

This Council notes with deep concern:

 

-     The December 17th announcement that Greater Manchester Police will enter the ‘engage’ phase of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMIC) formal monitoring process.

-     That this is only the second time a police force has required this level of intervention.

-     That Her Majesty’s Inspectorate report that 80,100 crimes went unrecorded in the year ending 30 June 2020, equating to 220 crimes each day or one in five crimes in total across the period, including one in four violent crimes and that some investigations were not to an acceptable standard having been prematurely concluded.

-     That HMIC has indicated that one in four violent crimes went unrecorded. 

-     The failure of the force to improve after initial concerns were raised by the Inspectorate in 2016, indicating a serious lack of organisation and leadership within Greater Manchester Police.

-     That the inspectorate has estimated a drop of 11.3% in recorded crimes since 2018.

-     That the inspectorate found that some investigations had been wrongly and prematurely concluded.

-     That Her Majesty’s Inspectorate conclude the performance of GMP has not improved after initial concerns were raised by them in 2016 indicating a serious lack of organisation and leadership within GMP

-     The continuing issues being experienced by GMP with their new Integrated Operations System (iOPs)

-     The resignation and ill health of former Chief Superintendent Ian Hopkins. The Council thanks him for his service to the city region. 

 

This Council also further notes that: 

 

-     That Victims of Crime deserve and need a service they can have confidence in.

-     That since 2012 in the name of austerity GMP has seen £215 million wiped from its budget losing in the process 2000 police officers and 1000 civilian workers.

-     That these cuts to the budget were instigated by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition Government and carried on by successive Conservative Governments and have impacted upon the operational frontline capabilities of GMP.

-     That despite Government promises of increased funding to recruit more Police Officers the vast majority of additional recruits to date have been funded through Police Precept increases putting additional burden on local residents through Council tax increases.

-     That Police financial settlements continue to be made by the Government on an annual basis making forward planning for Police Forces problematic despite promises of a fair funding review.

-     The majority of Greater Manchester Police staff That irrespective of the GMP Force Leadership issues GMP Officers and Staff continue to perform their duties with a high degree of dedication and professionalism and for which this Council thanks them for their service in what are very challenging times.

-     The close working relationship this Council has engendered locally with Trafford Police in recognition that the Police themselves are not solely responsible for keeping our communities safe.

-     The overall effects on Policing during this pandemic as evidenced by a 42% increase in calls received to deal with Mental Health issues where some 20% of callers were not known previously to the police and increased calls relating to domestic violence.

-     Since 2016, GMP has endured frontline cuts amounting to 33% of its Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and 6% of its support staff. 

-     This places GMP at a significant disadvantage given that since 2016, the average cut to PCSOs across England and Wales has been 6%. 

 

The Council recognises the significant challenge that coronavirus has posed to policing and gives thanks to all GMP personnel, who work tirelessly to protect communities across Trafford. 

 

This Council welcomes: the publication of the Police Foundations first report, ‘The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales’ which was published in July 2020. The report highlights the difficulties that our police forces face, placing them in the context of severe police cuts which Conservative governments continue to pursue. 

 

-         The announcement by the Mayor of Greater Manchester of the new dedicated hotline to support Victims of Crime which opened on 20 December 2020.

-         The allocation to each and every Ward across Greater Manchester of a named Neighbourhood Beat Officer and Police Community Support Officer.

-         The engagement of Consultants by the Mayor of Greater Manchester to examine the ongoing issues with the iOPs computer system.

-         The publication of the Police Foundations report ‘The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales’ published July 2020 which highlights the considerable difficulties police forces face in the context of the very severe cuts they have had imposed upon them and the unlikelihood of developing a meaningful dialogue with communities relating to public safety whilst public understanding of what the police do extends very little beyond basic functions. 

 

This Council particularly notes (from the above report): 

 

-  ‘… the critical importance of developing the public dialogue in relation to policing and public safety. Substantive strategic change is unlikely to be achieved while the public understanding of ‘what the police do’ extends very little beyond functions.’

 

This Council resolves to:

 

-     Extend its full support and cooperation to GMP, HMIC and other affiliated stakeholders throughout the monitoring process. 

-     Work towards the Police Foundations objective of preventative, community focused policing by through highlighting opportunities to bring local officers and residents together at a borough Ward and Borough ward level.

-     Request that Seek a detailed update from the Mayor of Greater Manchester which provides a detailed report to Trafford this Council and our residents indicating the full action plan that will is to be undertaken in order to return policing in the Borough and the city region Trafford and across Greater Manchester to an efficient and effective level.”

 

After a debate on the amendment, it was put to the vote and declared.

 

(Note: At this point, the time being 8:59 p.m., the Deputy Mayor indicated that speeches on this matter would now be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.)

 

It was moved and seconded as a second amendment that:

 

“This Council notes with concern:

 

-     The December 17th announcement that Greater Manchester Police will enter the ‘engage’ phase of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMIC) formal monitoring process.

-     That Her Majesty’s Inspectorate report that 80,100 crimes went unrecorded in the year ending 30 June 2020, equating to 220 crimes each day or one in five crimes in total across the period, including one in four violent crimes and that some investigations were not to an acceptable standard having been prematurely concluded.

-     That Her Majesty’s Inspectorate conclude the performance of GMP has not improved after initial concerns were raised by them in 2016 indicating a serious lack of organisation and leadership within GMP

-     The continuing issues being experienced by GMP with their new Integrated Operations System (iOPs)

-     The failure of the force to improve after initial concerns were raised by the Inspectorate in 2016, indicating a serious lack of organisation and leadership within Greater Manchester Police. This failure should have been corrected by the then Labour Police and Crime Commissioner and then by the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester who has responsibility for policing across Greater Manchester.

-     The resignation and ill health of former Chief Superintendent Ian Hopkins.

 

This Council further notes: 

 

-     That Victims of Crime deserve and need a service they can have confidence in.

-     That since 2012 in the name of austerity GMP has seen £215 million wiped from its budget losing in the process 2000 police officers and 1000 civilian workers.

-     That these cuts to the budget were instigated by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition Government and carried on by successive Conservative Governments and have impacted upon the operational frontline capabilities of GMP.

-     That despite Government promises of increased funding to recruit more Police Officers the vast majority of additional recruits to date have been funded through Police Precept increases putting additional burden on local residents through Council tax increases.

-     That Police financial settlements continue to be made by the Government on an annual basis making forward planning for Police Forces problematic despite promises of a fair funding review.

-     That irrespective of the GMP Force Leadership issues GMP Officers and Staff continue to perform their duties with a high degree of dedication and professionalism for which this Council thanks them in what are very challenging times.

-     The close working relationship this Council has engendered locally with Trafford Police in recognition that the Police themselves are not solely responsible for keeping our communities safe.

-     The overall effects on Policing during this pandemic as evidenced by a 42% increase in calls received to deal with Mental Health issues where some 20% of callers were not known previously to the police and increased calls relating to domestic violence.

 

This Council welcomes: 

 

-         The announcement by the Mayor of Greater Manchester of the new dedicated hotline to support Victims of Crime which opened on 20 December 2020.

-         The allocation to each and every Ward across Greater Manchester of a named Neighbourhood Beat Officer and Police Community Support Officer.

-         The engagement of Consultants by the Mayor of Greater Manchester to examine the ongoing issues with the iOPs computer system.

-         The publication of the Police Foundations report ‘The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales’ published July 2020 which highlights the considerable difficulties police forces face in the context of the very severe cuts they have had imposed upon them and the unlikelihood of developing a meaningful dialogue with communities relating to public safety whilst public understanding of what the police do extends very little beyond basic functions.

-         The announcement by the Home Secretary that policing will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22 – an increase of £636 million on last year. This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, delivering on the promise made by the Conservatives in last year’s General Election. Greater Manchester Police has already benefited from an additional 193 officers.   

 

This Council resolves to:

 

-     Extend its full support and cooperation to GMP, HMIC HMICFRS and other stakeholders throughout the monitoring process. 

-     Work towards the Police Foundations objective of preventative community focused policing through highlighting opportunities to bring local officers and residents together at Ward and Borough level.

-     Seek a detailed update from the Mayor of Greater Manchester which provides to this Council and our residents the full action plan that is to be undertaken in order to return policing in Trafford and across Greater Manchester to an efficient and effective level.

-     Request that the Mayor of Greater Manchester does the right thing and resigns from his position having failed the residents of Greater Manchester and the victims of crime so badly.

 

After a debate on the second amendment, it was put to the vote and declared lost.

 

The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and declared carried.

 

RESOLVED: That this Council notes with concern:

 

-     The December 17th announcement that Greater Manchester Police will enter the ‘engage’ phase of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMIC) formal monitoring process.

-     That Her Majesty’s Inspectorate report that 80,100 crimes went unrecorded in the year ending 30 June 2020, equating to 220 crimes each day or one in five crimes in total across the period, including one in four violent crimes and that some investigations were not to an acceptable standard having been prematurely concluded.

-     That Her Majesty’s Inspectorate conclude the performance of GMP has not improved after initial concerns were raised by them in 2016 indicating a serious lack of organisation and leadership within GMP

-     The continuing issues being experienced by GMP with their new Integrated Operations System (iOPs)

-     The resignation and ill health of former Chief Superintendent Ian Hopkins.

 

This Council further notes: 

 

-     That Victims of Crime deserve and need a service they can have confidence in.

-     That since 2012 in the name of austerity GMP has seen £215 million wiped from its budget losing in the process 2000 police officers and 1000 civilian workers.

-     That these cuts to the budget were instigated by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition Government and carried on by successive Conservative Governments and have impacted upon the operational frontline capabilities of GMP.

-     That despite Government promises of increased funding to recruit more Police Officers the vast majority of additional recruits to date have been funded through Police Precept increases putting additional burden on local residents through Council tax increases.

-     That Police financial settlements continue to be made by the Government on an annual basis making forward planning for Police Forces problematic despite promises of a fair funding review.

-     That irrespective of the GMP Force Leadership issues GMP Officers and Staff continue to perform their duties with a high degree of dedication and professionalism for which this Council thanks them in what are very challenging times.

-     The close working relationship this Council has engendered locally with Trafford Police in recognition that the Police themselves are not solely responsible for keeping our communities safe.

 

 

-     The overall effects on Policing during this pandemic as evidenced by a 42% increase in calls received to deal with Mental Health issues where some 20% of callers were not known previously to the police and increased calls relating to domestic violence.

 

This Council welcomes: 

 

-         The announcement by the Mayor of Greater Manchester of the new dedicated hotline to support Victims of Crime which opened on 20 December 2020.

-         The allocation to each and every Ward across Greater Manchester of a named Neighbourhood Beat Officer and Police Community Support Officer.

-         The engagement of Consultants by the Mayor of Greater Manchester to examine the ongoing issues with the iOPs computer system.

-         The publication of the Police Foundations report ‘The Strategic Review of Policing in England and Wales’ published July 2020 which highlights the considerable difficulties police forces face in the context of the very severe cuts they have had imposed upon them and the unlikelihood of developing a meaningful dialogue with communities relating to public safety whilst public understanding of what the police do extends very little beyond basic functions. 

 

This Council resolves to:

 

-     Extend its full support and cooperation to GMP, HMIC and other stakeholders throughout the monitoring process. 

-     Work towards the Police Foundations objective of preventative community focused policing through highlighting opportunities to bring local officers and residents together at Ward and Borough level.

-     Seek a detailed update from the Mayor of Greater Manchester which provides to this Council and our residents the full action plan that is to be undertaken in order to return policing in Trafford and across Greater Manchester to an efficient and effective level.

 

Supporting documents: