In a letter to the Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner, Oliver has pressed for Hertsmere’s towns and villages to be given a fair share of the county’s policing funding.
Speaking today after signing the letter, Oliver said: ‘Many of my constituents are concerned about burglaries and crime in the Borough.
‘I supported the Commissioner’s proposal last year to increase the portion of council tax reserved for policing and I wanted to use this opportunity to urge him to ensure that funding for policing is fairly distributed across the county.
‘In particular I am concerned that small towns and large villages such as Borehamwood, Bushey, Shenley, Radlett and Potters Bar do not lose out to the county’s larger towns.’
The Police & Crime Commissioner is the elected official responsible for the county’s Police, including funding and overall strategy.
Oliver’s letter to him came following a recent meeting with Hertsmere’s Chief Inspector, Steve O’Keeffe, and concerned local residents from a local neighbourhood watch group.
Oliver added: ‘I meet regularly with our Chief Inspector and residents to discuss local crime issues and receive updates. The latest meeting at Borehamwood Police Station was productive and I was impressed to hear in detail the action the Police are taking to deal with crime in Hertsmere.
‘Hertfordshire Constabulary work tirelessly keeping us all safe and I will continue to use my position as the local Member of Parliament to support them.’
Oliver also raised this issue with the Policing Minister in Parliament at the end of last year, just prior to being appointed as a Minister.
Notes .
Links to the video clip and Hansard record of Oliver’s question to the Policing Minister below: