Battles over police cuts and abuse of politicians at Peterborough council meeting

The Tories have announced their intentions to amend or oppose two Labour motions which are due to be debated at the city council meeting.

The first has been submitted by Labour member for East ward Cllr Shabina Qayyum which calls for a council working group to consider “how to best assist councillors in relation to online abuse, bully and harassment, particularly against female councillors”.

The working group would then be tasked with putting forward recommendations at a forthcoming scrutiny committee meeting.

The motion states: “Online abuse, bullying and harassment against women in politics is an issue which is increasingly growing in visibility.”

Cllr Irene Walsh, Conservative cabinet member for communities, said: “Whilst politicians need to acquire thick skins if they are to cope with the rough and tumble of politics, there is no justification for abuse, bullying or harassment.

“Having consulted with my male colleagues, however, I am shocked at the level of hate speech directed towards them on a regular basis because of their political views. So, any support that is offered should be shared with all councillors. This is not just a female issue.”

The Conservatives have submitted an amended motion which calls on the working group to consider “how to best assist councillors in relation to online abuse, bullying and harassment, particularly but not exclusively against female councillors”.

The Tories are also planning to vote against a motion from Labour and Co-operative member for North ward Cllr Ansar Ali which calls on council chief executive Gillian Beasley to write to the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire police about planned cuts to neighbouring policing.

Nick Dean said back in October he was “disappointed” to announce that the number of PCSOs would reduce from 80 to 40 to help tackle a deficit of £6.6 million and that the cuts will “have an impact on policing”.

However, he insisted the job losses will be mitigated by a rise in officers as part of the Government’s national allocation of 20,000 more roles which could see a further 82 people brought into the force next year.

Cllr Ali’s motion states: “Council believes that this is not the correct time during a pandemic to be cutting established staff who know their communities and, in particular, have been able to help engage with the public and educate on public health Covid matters and the rules.”

It then calls for Mr Dean to seek extra funds and reverse the planned cuts to neighbourhood policing.

Cllr Walsh said: “I have studied the long-term strategy of Cambridgeshire Constabulary and spoken to key people, including the acting police and crime commissioner.

“I cannot see why a motion has been brought to Full Council which asks our chief executive to become involved in delaying a plan which will put more warranted officers in our neighbourhoods.

“It is important for us all to realise that the police are fully committed to local policing and dealing with modern-day criminality. This means putting in place officers who have the power to deal with those issues.

“The number of PCSOs will reduce, but some are taking the opportunity to progress to warranted officer status. Communities are the winners.”