Warning of fewer community police officers in Edinburgh if council axes police funding

The council will decide on its budget tomorrow

SCRAPPING council funding for the police could mean fewer officers working in communities across the Capital, it was claimed today.

On the eve of the full council meeting to set next year’s budget, the Lib Dems called for a rethink by the SNP-Labour administration on plans to end the annual £2.1 billion contribution to policing.

Leading Lib Dem councillor Kevin Lang said: “There is no guarantee that the withdrawal of funding for community policing will be replaced from elsewhere and we are facing the prospect of the loss of dozens of community police officers who are currently funded entirely by the council.

“These officers are not just involved in day to day patrols, they do so much positive work in schools, with community organisations and with youth groups.

“I have seen what a difference these officers make and I’m really concerned about the implications if we lose what has been a fantastic resource across the city. We completely disagree with what the administration is doing.”

The Tories accused the SNP and Labour of mismanaging the council’s finances.

But they said they would cut £1.6m from police funding, while leaving £500,000 which they say pays for eight family support officers.

Tory finance spokesman Graham Hutchison said: “Edinburgh is not getting value for money in terms of policing. Community police officers do a fantastic job, but the cost for the council is about £40,000 per head in Edinburgh, whereas in Glasgow it is about £18,000.

“It’s time for the Scottish Government to take that by the scruff of the neck and properly fund our Capital.”

The council administration argues Police Scotland is responsible for policing and say there is no reason why there should be any reduction in officer numbers in the city after council funding is withdrawn.

Green councillors support the SNP-Labour plans to end the council’s contribution to the police.

Edinburgh police commander Chief Superintendent Sean Scott said Police Scotland was aware of the council’s budget proposals. “We recognise the financial challenges facing all parts of the public sector.

“We await the final decision of the council and will continue to work closely with our partners in the local authority to serve Edinburgh communities and keep people safe.”