A motion which supports fairer police funding for the county and raises awareness for the issue of domestic abuse, has been endorsed unanimously today (Tuesday, 22 October) by all county councillors at Cambridgeshire County Council.
In acknowledging that Cambridgeshire remains the fourth lowest funded police force in the country, the motion also noted that local taxpayers fund around half of the police’s budget in the county.
The motion was proposed from Councillor Alex Bulat, and seconded by Councillor Philippa Slatter, and accepted an alteration proposed by Councillor Steve Count.
The motion also asked officers to write to the Home Secretary and local MPs to gain a fairer share of police funding in the area, as well as promoting the White Ribbon Scheme, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls, both within the County Council and externally.
Councillor Alex Bulat, Vice Chair for Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion committee (CoSMIC), with responsibilities including community safety, said: “The 2024 Quality of Life survey across Cambridgeshire shows that 85% of residents feel safe. But we remain the fourth lowest funded police force in the country, while having one of the highest population increases.
“The domestic abuse and sexual violence statistics are worrying, with domestic abuse making up 1 in 5 crimes recorded nationally.
“I am particularly thankful to my colleagues for supporting this motion on a cross-party basis, given that community safety is an important issue that affects everyone.”
Councillor Steve Count, Leader of the Conservative Group on the County Council said: “I supported this motion because safer communities is an issue that we can all get behind, regardless of our party affiliations. A properly resourced police force in Cambridgeshire is essential for community safety.”