As many of you will know, one of my top priorities since first being returned to represent Solihull in 2015 has been standing up for our local police services.
In particular I have campaigned hard to save Solihull Police Station, which the Police and Crime Commissioner plans to close (despite sitting on about £100 million in reserves!).
David Jamieson, Labour’s Commissioner, has promised to replace it with a ‘front desk’, but it’s difficult to see how this could serve the same role as a full-sized station – or is in keeping with the promises made to local residents when Shirley Police Station was axed just a couple of years ago.
Since these proposals were announced I have rallied local Conservative MPs to the cause, organised a special debate in Parliament, and even submitted a petition to the House of Commons. Many of you have been in touch to express support. But to date the Commissioner has shown little regard for local concerns.
Even worse, I have received no assurances that a fair share of the money raised by closing our local station will be re-invested here in Solihull rather than passed on to other parts of the West Midlands.
This is a clear example of why we need a more definitive say over policing in Solihull. That’s why I’m so supportive of proposals for Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, to take on the powers of the PCC – as the Mayor of Greater Manchester has done.
Not only do the WMCA structures do much more to protect distinct communities such as ours, but as a high-profile public figure voters will be much better able to hold Andy to account than a little-known commissioner.
If these plans go ahead, the Mayor will have assumed responsibility for policing in time for the next election in 2020, meaning you will have the opportunity to ask Andy and the other candidates directly about their plans for policing in Solihull.
The official consultation on these proposals closes tomorrow, Friday 11th January. If you haven’t yet taken the opportunity to have your say, please look it up on the WMCA website and take a few minutes to share your views.
Originally published in the Solihull Mail, 10/01/19.
