Response to decision not to introduce directly elected police authority members
Friday, 19 December, 2008
Chairman of West Midlands Police Authority Cllr Diana Holl-Allen said:
"This is the right decision to serve the best interests of all our communities. There has been opposition to this proposal from police authorities and local authorities alike. It is a tremendous relief to see that common sense has prevailed and the direct election of crime and policing representatives will not be introduced in the Policing and Crime Bill, expected to be published today.
"The current make-up of this Police Authority is uniquely balanced and works in the best interest of providing accountability for policing in the West Midlands. We work closely and consult with our communities and will continue to do so to ensure their police service can effectively meet their needs.
"We will not have to face the inevitable additional expense of running elections and the cost of this to the tax-payer. Provision of policing in our communities is where people most want their money to be spent."
