Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

POLICE CHARGES

Should the police charge charities and community groups for providing extra services for their special events? You are a tax payer and have as much right as anyone to an opinion.

The issue has arisen due to a recent decision by the police to levy a charge – for the first time ever- on the organisers of the ever popular Yealmpton Show that took place recently. It is one of the local highlights and on a good year can attract 10,000 people. It is always good to see the countryside showing off its wares to the nearby suburban dwellers, and a great day out is had by all. Because of the numbers of people attending, the police provide one or two constables to help get traffic on and off the highway. It is not like the Notting Hill festival (where the police do not charge) and where in years gone by public order issues arise.

Yealmpton show is run by a charity that only seeks to break even and any surplus is given away to other local charities. On a wet year when attendance is low it can make a loss. This year the police informed the committee that a bill of over £1500 would be charged. They protested but paid.

They contacted me. I wrote to the Chief Constable and heard nothing for 6 weeks. I took part with Anthony Steen MP in a Westminster debate on the subject. Debates like this are not about answers, but a great way of raising an issue. I e-mailed the chairman of the police authority. To his credit he has promised a full discussion at the next authority meeting and will come back to us.

Very few other forces levy these charges. I understand that the police force is under financial pressure. I can see their point of view. Obviously someone has made a new policy this year, because a number of local charities and community groups have faced the same demands for payment. Some of them will not be able to afford it.
So I seek your opinion. I have a very clear one: I consider this a very short-sighted policy. The police are there to deter crime, catch criminals and serve as a wider stabilising part of the community. I can think of few more worthy events than community activities that bring together people of all ages and backgrounds.
But maybe I am wrong. Your wisdom please.

posted by Nigel on Monday, August 07, 2006