Somerset MP calls for more PCSOs in rural areas
Since 2010 the number of PCSOs has halved
Last updated 30th Jan 2025
Anna Sabine MP is calling for more community police officers in Avon and Somerset.
Figures from the Home Office show 60 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been cut in one year, from 315 in 2023 to 255.
A PCSO is a uniformed police officer who works to improve community safety and reduce crime.
“The new statistics show once again that rural areas are not being taken seriously by the Government and are not being given the resources they need to thrive," said Anna Sabine.
"I hear time and again about anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and rural crime and PCSOs are absolutely key in fighting these issues.”
Since 2010, the number of PCSOs has halved.
The Labour Government has promised to restore numbers as part of The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, ensuring every neighbourhood will have a named, contactable officer.
The Home Secretary said: "Our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is about more than just increasing numbers.
"It’s about rebuilding the vital connection between the public and the police.
"This marks a return to the founding principles of British policing - where officers are part of the communities they serve."
The plan would deliver 13,000 extra neighbourhood police across the country.
“I welcome the Government’s pledge to ensure more PCSOs," Ms Sabine said, "but it has to ensure that proper funding is given to community policing in rural areas and not just metropolitans.
"Radstock in my constituency is currently facing an issue with anti-social behaviour, but they have seen their number of PCSOs drop from 13 to 6 in the last 18 months.
"A visible community police force is vital to ensure our communities feel safe and protected too.”
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“We are ensuring police have the funding to keep our communities safe and deliver on our Safer Streets Mission, with an extra 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, community support officers and special constables, all of whom will play a vital role in bringing visible policing to our streets.
“Avon and Somerset Police’s funding will be up to £436.1 million in 2025-26, an increase of up to £24.7 million compared to 2024-25.”