Former Rutland, Leicester and Leicestershire PCC Slams Successor Over 'Astonishing' Police Budget Decision
By Local Democracy Reporter
A fierce political row has erupted over the future of policing in Leicestershire, as former Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lord Willy Bach launched a blistering attack on his successor, Rupert Matthews.
In a stinging social media post, Lord Bach accused the current Reform PCC of "selling the citizens of Leicestershire short" after Mr. Matthews reportedly rejected police advice regarding the annual council tax precept.
The heart of the dispute lies in the police precept the portion of council tax that goes toward funding local law enforcement. Lord Bach claims that Mr. Matthews has refused to set the precept at the £15 increase recommended by Leicestershire Police, a move he says is out of step with every other PCC in the country.
According to Lord Bach, this decision will leave a significant black hole in the force's finances:
£1.4 million: The extra savings the force will reportedly have to find next year.
30 Officers: The equivalent loss in manpower resulting from the funding gap.
"I am upset and angry at the astonishing and ridiculous decision by my successor," Lord Bach stated. "The result of his decision will be that our Police Force will have to lose the money equivalent of more than 30 additional Police Officers who would be protecting us from crime."
Lord Bach further argued that the public is willing to pay more to ensure safety, comparing the £15 annual increase to the price of "one cup of coffee per year." He claimed that a majority of residents consulted were in favor of the higher precept to better protect communities across the city and the two counties.
"It is astonishing that the PCC has gone against police advice. But then, over the last five years he has always treated the police force with barely concealed contempt."
The critique did not stop at budget figures. Lord Bach leveled a series of personal and professional accusations against Mr. Matthews, citing the departure of "two outstanding Chief Constables" during his tenure and accusing him of "trashing the Leicestershire Police’s good reputation."
"This is a step too far," Lord Bach concluded. "I hope most of those who read this will agree that his conduct here is totally unacceptable."
