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Hampshire Police Federation comment on the freeze in council tax for 2012/12

On Tuesday 14th February Hampshire Police Authority froze council tax for the year 2012/12 despite requests for an increase of 3.25% from the Chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, Hampshire's Chief Constable and UNISON.

Commenting on the decision, the Chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, John Apter, said the following;

'We are very disappointed with the decision made by Hampshire Police Authority. Hampshire Constabulary is already dealing with deep and damaging cuts following the comprehensive spending review. The Force have had to find up to £50 million in savings when at the same time doing everything it can to protect the visible part of policing.

The Chief Constable has warned that as a result of this decision he may have to loose a further 100 posts, this is in addition to the 1100 posts (400 officers and 700 staff) already lost due to the cut in budget. There is no more slack in the system so something has to give, if it is to the determent of visible policing then the Police Authority have not served the communities of Hampshire and the IOW well'.

'I acknowledge that this was not an easy decision for the Police Authority to make. I want to thank those members who supported our position and spoke with passion and conviction, I know that these members are as disappointed as I am in the decision reached'.

'Those we represent see the Police Authority as the Guardians of the service, those officers will feel this is a further kick in the teeth'.