PRESS RELEASES

19th December 2005

Police mergers rushed and expensive

Commenting on the Commons debate on police force mergers,

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting, Stephanie Dearden said:-
 

"This rushed and expensive merger programme will cost millions for our forces to put it in place. It will take money away from front line policing, or result in an increase in council tax bills.

"It's true that smaller forces can struggle with complex cases, but they should be provided with a national resource they can call on, not be forced into a merger that will seriously undermine local accountability."
 

ENDS

  Stephanie Dearden

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Tooting

Notes to editors

1. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
2. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm