Stoke-on-Trent South MP, Dr Allison Gardner has written to Staffordshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Ben Adams, expressing serious concern over reported proposals affecting Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) pay and duties. 

Labour MP, Dr Gardner has been contacted by PCSOs, trade unions, police staff, and residents who are concerned that the changes could reduce evening patrols, alter core duties, and move PCSOs out of their local areas. 

The Stoke South MP has written to the Conservative PFCC to seek assurance that PCSO evening coverage and pay will be protected, that PCSOs will not be required to take on additional investigatory duties that reduce their visibility, and PCSOs will remain focused on their local areas, maintaining the community trust.

Dr Gardner said: "PCSOs are the eyes and ears of our communities. Their visibility and local knowledge are essential to keeping our neighbourhoods safe. 

"Reducing hours or changing their roles would leave communities exposed, increase pressure on already stretched officers, and undermine public confidence - especially following a 5.1% council tax increase for policing." 

Commissioner Ben Adams is yet to respond to the reported PCSO changes.