THE chief constable's presentation of the ongoing improvements to the policing of York and North Yorkshire must be welcomed. The initiatives already taken and envisaged point the way forward to a police force more in tune with the 21st century.

The meeting at the Talbot Hotel gave rise to strong comments regarding extra increase in the local council tax arising from the financing of the policing operation; this increase is on top of other demands from county council, district council and parish town councils. The burden of the council tax is of far greater concern to those of us who are virtually on fixed incomes.

The point I wish to make is that the changes in policing individual areas have changed dramatically. Funding requirements are such that I believe local taxation can no longer cope with some of the rapidly increased demands, most of which centre round the travelling criminal, speed control, development of improved communication and IT equipment, terrorism, etc. It should not be a question, for instance, that a local authority cannot afford life-saving improvements to our local road network in the form of speed cameras and other devices, due to insufficient council tax. Also communication equipment and IT has to be upgraded and renewed to keep up with developments in technology. This should also be funded nationally, ensuring compatibility throughout the country.

Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, January 07, 2004