Mortgage help for struggling families
Dec 4 2008 by William Green, The Journal
Home secretary sparks protests
HOME Secretary Jacqui Smith last night sparked a row after moving ahead with controversial plans for directly-elected officials to hold local chief constables to account.
The Government said the move would increase police accountability and effectiveness by providing a clear and powerful voice for the public. It also called for greater joint working by police forces.
But Dave McLuckie, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, warned local policing would become “a political battleground with the real possibility that very sinister or disruptive interests could influence, or even control, the way police services are delivered.”
He raised the risk of extremists taking control if there were low turnouts for direct elections, warning it could undermine political independence that lay at the heart of the police service.
John Shipley, leader of Newcastle City Council, claimed direct elections to police authorities across the country could cost £45m and that money would be better spent putting hundreds more police on the streets.
“I am calling on MPs to oppose any plans for directly-elected police representatives,” he said.
“There is a real risk that it will start to politicise the police and I am extremely uncomfortable with the proposal.
“I would be much happier with the status quo where local councils work in partnership with local partners and other agencies in dealing with community safety.”
At a glance
Police: Measures to clamp down on "irresponsible" drink promotions, prostitution and lap- dancing clubs were confirmed.
Welfare: The Government is to press ahead with reforms of the welfare system, including moves to reduce the number of people on incapacity benefit by a million and increase the employment rate.
Justice: New laws will clamp down on websites which promote suicide.
Wildlife: A Marine Bill to protect the UK’s ocean wildlife and improve public access to the coast was included.
Training: About 25 million employees will benefit from a new right to ask for time off work to go on training courses to boost their skills.
Education: Local authorities will be required by law to consider taking early action if a school is under-performing.
Health: The NHS will have its first constitution under measures included in a Health Bill.
Equality: Nine major laws and 100 other regulations will be replaced by a single Equality Bill which the Government pledged will strengthen discrimination legislation and tackle the gender pay gap.
Immigration: A new immigration Bill will create an earned citizenship scheme for foreigners who want to become British.
Poverty: The Government’s high-profile promise to eradicate child poverty by 2020 will be made legally binding.
Saving: The Government plans to launch an initiative to encourage people on low incomes to save.
