“Tory Police Commission grows to £1.1m as Tory and Labour Councillors unite to approve budget” Cllr Glynane

The Leader of the Official Liberal Democrat Opposition at County Hall, and member of the Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Brendan Glynane, has today expressed disappointment as the Conservative Police Commissioner's budget was passed without comment from the Police and Crime Panel. During the debate it was revealed that the much criticised back office costs could rise to £1.1m and that multi-million pound black holes lay ahead. Cllr Glynane was the only Councillor not to vote for the budget.

Cllr Glynane said "It is really disappointing that Labour and Conservative Councillors united to agree this budget without any comment whatsoever. Serious risks lie ahead with budget deficits of £3m in 14/15, £9m in 15/16, £12m in 16/17 and £16m in 17/18. The Police and Crime Panel is supposed to hold the Conservative Police Commissioner to account. How can we say we have done this today?"

"Also included in the budget was the much criticised Tory Police Commission, currently staffed with Conservative political aides on salaries up to £65k. Today it was revealed that the cost could rise up to £1.1m. This revelation will not go down well with Northamptonshire's residents, who are clearly worried about cronyism and value for money."

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