Funding row police support freeze

The government wants to see 16,000 PCSOs in England and Wales

A police force said it will have to freeze the number of police community support officers it employs because of a funding row with the Home Office.

Dyfed-Powys Police Authority said it was not being given its "fair share" of money under a government settlement.

The force employs 62 PCSOs but should have 96 to hit national targets.

The Home Office said it had increased funding by 41% nationally for PCSOs but minister Tony McNulty would meet a delegation from Dyfed-Powys on Tuesday.

PCSOs do not have the same powers of arrest as regular police officers and their role has been questioned.

But they are being increasingly used to tackle anti-social behaviour and provide a visible police presence on the streets.

Chairman of the Dyfed-Powys authority's finance committee Delyth Humfryes said the funding situation was "drastic" but she hoped the minister would find additional money.

If we receive the money then 96 will be in post within six months Delyth Humfryes

Under revised targets the government wants to see 16,000 PCSOs patrolling the streets in England and Wales by April next year. This would mean 96 in Dyfed-Powys on a pro-rata basis.

But the authority said the settlement outlined by Mr McNulty meant it would be unable to fund the increase.

"We are totally committed to (funding) neighbourhood policing and PCSOs in all areas of the authority," added Mrs Humfryes.

"If we receive the money then 96 will be in post within six months."

But she said without a revised settlement then they could not afford to employ any extra. Some areas of Dyfed-Powys, including the whole of Ceredigion, do not have PCSOs at present.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Settlement provides for an increase of 41% in funding for Police and Community Support Officers and neighbourhood policing in 2007/08.

"Plus it indicates willingness to consider additional flexibility on the Crime Fighting Fund for all forces in 2007/08.

"Settlement therefore provides continuing support towards 16,000 PCSOs in 2007/08."