A Stoke-on-Trent councillor has called on the city council to summon the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to explain plans to reduce PCSO working hours.

Laura Carter, who represents Moorcroft and Sneyd Green made the comments at a recent city council meeting.

Under the planned changes, PCSO shifts would end at 9pm instead of 10pm, with more officers working during the day. It is expected the changes would result in savings of £700,000.

However Unison have called the plans 'ill-conceived' and said it would result in a 14 per cent pay cut for workers. Despite this Staffordshire Police said the move is not about cost cutting and will result in a greater police presence when it is most needed.

During a recent meeting of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's housing, regeneration and operations overview and scrutiny committee councillors brought up the issue after hearing increased patrols had helped cut antisocial behaviour by 21.4 per cent.

However, they were told the item was not on the agenda and the relevant people to answer questions were not present. It was at this point councillors requested that the relevant people be invited to a meeting to scrutinise the decision.

Cllr Laura Carter said: "Can we please call Ben Adams to a scrutiny committee so we can discuss this further." 

Cllr Lauren Davison also expressed concerns: "I am really worried about any potential cuts to PCSOs because in Meir North and Meir without them residents would feel a lot less safe."

advertisement

Councillors have requested that the commissioner attend a meeting before the end of the year to answer questions on the changes.