Latest news with #FreedomofInformation
Scottish Sun
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
How police forces are demanding more taxpayers' cash to fight crime while spending millions on ‘woke' diversity schemes
Meanwhile, around one million work days are lost to diversity training across the public sector WOKE & BROKE How police forces are demanding more taxpayers' cash to fight crime while spending millions on 'woke' diversity schemes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MISGUIDED police forces are demanding extra public money while spending millions of pounds on 'woke' diversity schemes, we can reveal. Five of Britain's biggest constabularies this week wrote an open letter to the government insisting they are desperately short of funds, despite being handed almost £1billion extra by the Home Office. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Woke police forces reckon they should get more government funding Credit: PA Yet a Sun probe today shows the extraordinary amounts being spent on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion roles by the very same forces. Freedom of Information requests show that in the last year, the Met spent £3.6million, West Yorkshire Police blew over £1million, West Midlands Police paid out £222,378 and Greater Manchester Police spent £335,653. Merseyside Police — which failed to respond to our FOI request — is believed to have allocated a similar amount. In total, this would have paid for an extra 139 bobbies on the beat, given the average police officer salary is £35,890. Meanwhile, around one million work days are lost to diversity training across the public sector, according to pressure group Conservative Way Forward, draining resources. 'High workloads' The Met employed 51 officers and staff in 'culture, diversity and inclusion' roles between April 2024 and February. This was paid for by record funding of £1.148billion, which accounted for 27 per cent of City Hall's annual budget — up eight per cent on 2016. Across the country, a total of £19.5billion has been allocated for policing as part of the government's Plan for Change programme, an increase of £987million on last year. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley is calling for more funding after the capital saw a 41 per cent rise in theft and a 58 per cent hike in shoplifting last year. Total recorded crime went up by two per cent in the same period, according to the Office for National Statistics, while sexual offences were up six per cent, robbery rose four per cent and theft increased by eight per cent. Phone muggings and stabbings have also spiralled, with ONS data showing 188 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument were recorded per 100,000 of the capital's population last year, the highest in the UK. 'It's mind-boggling!' Woke cops need to prevent REAL crime and stop policing tweets, rages Reform MP Meanwhile, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has rated the Met 'inadequate' at investigating crime. Its 2025 report states: 'Supervisors in investigation teams have little or no training in how to manage crime workloads.' Police Federation Of England and Wales acting chair Tiffany Lynch has warned 'we are on track to lose 10,000 officers a year' as senior bobbies quit — and it will cost £10billion over five years to replace them. Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police — whose Chief Constable John Robins put his name to this week's letter — has been slammed for prioritising ethnic minority recruits. There was outrage this year when it was reported that under-represented groups were allowed to submit an 'early expression of interest' in work before white British recruits. The force denied discrimination, but one Facebook user raged: 'So much for diversity and inclusion.' Another added: 'Surely this is racist. This wouldn't be allowed the other way around?' Robins' force budgeted £1,069,188 to employ 19 inclusion and diversity staff, in both uniformed and non-uniformed roles. They include three diversity, equality and inclusion officers costing £45,924 a year each; two administrative assistants costing £30,912 a time; and six uniformed positive action ambassadors on £59,844. A uniformed positive action inspector costs £94,272 per annum, and the constabulary is also paying out £361,000 to an external provider for equality and diversity training. While that is happening, West Yorkshire has the highest crime rate of the five constabularies calling for more funds, with 115.2 recorded crimes per 1,000 of the population last year, ONS data shows. Sexual offences are up 11 per cent, vehicle offences are up four per cent and shoplifting is up by two per cent. The latest HMICFRS evaluation concluded West Yorkshire's crime investigation 'requires improvement'. The report said team supervisors complained of being 'affected by high workloads, dealing with daily prisoner demand and supporting inexperienced officers'. 'Saddled with debt' Elsewhere, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has fears of an 'overstretched police service saddled with debt, broken buildings and outdated technology'. He cut his DEI team in half last year after his force spent £184,602 on diversity and inclusion training since 2019. This year, it employed a sergeant and an inspector in DEI roles, earning at least £112,605 between them based on current annual pay brackets. It also retained two police staff earning £81,000 in total for doing a similar role, while £28,773 was spent on DEI training. ONS data shows West Midlands Police recorded the highest rate of knife crime outside London last year — 156 offences per 100,000 people. There was a 32 per cent increase in shoplifting during the same period, and the force was rated inadequate in how it investigates crime, protects vulnerable people and manages offenders/suspects in its most recent inspection, which concluded that 46 per cent of its investigations are not effective. The report states: 'We found the force hasn't made enough progress improving the standard of its investigations since our last inspection. 'As a result, not enough offenders are being brought to justice. 'We acknowledge the force does a good job of investigating many of the most serious crimes. But in our crime file review, we judged that only 54 of 100 investigations were effective. This is concerning.' The Met wants more funding after a 41% rise in theft and a 58% hike in shoplifting last year yet it employed 51 officers and staff in 'culture, diversity and inclusion' roles Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson is another calling for more funding. His force is currently spending £335,653 a year paying three uniformed officers promoting diversity and inclusion, although 'all training is completed in-house,' according to a response to our FOI request. Residents are concerned that sexual offences were up five per cent last year, while shoplifting rose by 20 per cent. HMICFRS inspectors have flagged issues with how the force monitors registered sex offenders, finding a backlog of 1,490 home visits had built up by 2023. The report added: 'At the end of our inspection period, the force told us that backlogs had been reduced to 163 overdue visits. As a result, it is considering keeping the structure it developed as part of its successful plan to reduce overdue visits.' Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, was another signatory, along with Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council. Shocking statistics Sexual offences rose by seven per cent on Merseyside last year, according to the ONS, while shoplifting jumped by 13 per cent and drug offences rose eight per cent. The latest HMICFRS review found a significant backlog of sex offender cases, stating: 'The force doesn't have clear governance or oversight . . . to manage risks posed by online child abuse offenders. 'There are unnecessary delays in consulting with social services to start safeguarding children.' The Taxpayers' Alliance say UK police diversity jobs have increased by almost a third in three years, costing £15million since the beginning of the 2021-22 financial year. This nonsensical obsession with diversity has to end. Anything else is a waste of time and money Chris Philp The drive is already proving controversial, with Hertfordshire Constabulary criticised for advising staff not to use 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' when addressing the public. And Staffordshire Police was blasted for warning that gender specific words such as 'policeman' may be illegal. Phrases including 'man up' and 'grow a pair' also became a no-no. Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, told The Sun on Sunday: 'While families fear walking the streets and knife crime surges in Labour-run cities, their police forces are blowing millions on box-ticking vanity schemes. 'This nonsensical obsession with diversity has to end. Anything else is a waste of time and money.' A Met Police spokesman said: 'This team works to raise standards across the Met. This work will deliver better outcomes for victims.' And Catherine Hankinson, West Yorkshire's Deputy Chief Constable, said: 'Officers, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to reduce crime, protect the vulnerable and reassure the public. We aim to deliver the best possible service while remaining committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion.'
The Irish Sun
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
How police forces are demanding more taxpayers' cash to fight crime while spending millions on ‘woke' diversity schemes
MISGUIDED police forces are demanding extra public money while spending millions of pounds on 'woke' diversity schemes, we can reveal. Five of Britain's biggest constabularies this week wrote an open letter to the government insisting they are desperately short of funds, despite being handed almost £1billion extra by the Home Office. Advertisement 1 Woke police forces reckon they should get more government funding Credit: PA Yet a Sun probe today shows the extraordinary amounts being spent on Freedom of Information requests show that in the last year, the Met spent £3.6million, West Yorkshire Police blew over £1million, West Midlands Police paid out £222,378 and Greater Manchester Police spent £335,653. Merseyside Police — which failed to respond to our FOI request — is believed to have allocated a similar amount. In total, this would have paid for an extra 139 bobbies on the beat, given the average Meanwhile, around one million work days are lost to diversity training across the public sector, according to pressure group Conservative Way Forward, draining resources. Advertisement Read More on UK News 'High workloads' The Met employed 51 officers and staff in 'culture, diversity and inclusion' roles between April 2024 and February. This was paid for by record funding of £1.148billion, which accounted for 27 per cent of City Hall's annual budget — up eight per cent on 2016. Across the country, a total of £19.5billion has been allocated for policing as part of the government's Plan for Change programme, an increase of £987million on last year. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley is calling for more funding after the capital saw a 41 per cent rise in theft and a 58 per cent hike in Advertisement Most read in The Sun Total recorded crime went up by two per cent in the same period, according to the Office for National Statistics, while Phone muggings and 'It's mind-boggling!' Woke cops need to prevent REAL crime and stop policing tweets, rages Reform MP Meanwhile, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has rated the Met 'inadequate' at investigating crime. Its 2025 report states: 'Supervisors in investigation teams have little or no training in how to manage crime workloads.' Advertisement Police Federation Of England and Wales acting chair Tiffany Lynch has warned 'we are on track to lose 10,000 officers a year' as senior bobbies quit — and it will cost £10billion over five years to replace them. Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police — whose Chief Constable John Robins put his name to this week's letter — has been slammed for prioritising ethnic minority recruits. There was outrage this year when it was reported that under-represented groups were allowed to submit an 'early expression of interest' in work before white British recruits. The force denied discrimination, but one Facebook user raged: 'So much for diversity and inclusion.' Advertisement Another added: 'Surely this is racist. This wouldn't be allowed the other way around?' Robins' force budgeted £1,069,188 to employ 19 inclusion and diversity staff, in both uniformed and non-uniformed roles. They include three diversity, equality and inclusion officers costing £45,924 a year each; two administrative assistants costing £30,912 a time; and six uniformed positive action ambassadors on £59,844. Advertisement A uniformed positive action inspector costs £94,272 per annum, and the constabulary is also paying out £361,000 to an external provider for equality and diversity training. While that is happening, West Yorkshire has the highest crime rate of the five constabularies calling for more funds, with 115.2 recorded crimes per 1,000 of the population last year, ONS data shows. Sexual offences are up 11 per cent, vehicle offences are up four per cent and shoplifting is up by two per cent. The latest HMICFRS evaluation concluded West Yorkshire's crime investigation 'requires improvement'. Advertisement The report said team supervisors complained of being 'affected by high workloads, dealing with daily prisoner demand and supporting inexperienced officers'. 'Saddled with debt' Elsewhere, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford has fears of an 'overstretched police service saddled with debt, broken buildings and outdated technology'. He cut his DEI team in half last year after his force spent £184,602 on diversity and inclusion training since 2019. This year, it employed a sergeant and an inspector in DEI roles, earning at least £112,605 between them based on current annual pay brackets. Advertisement It also retained two police staff earning £81,000 in total for doing a similar role, while £28,773 was spent on DEI training. ONS data shows West Midlands Police recorded the highest rate of knife crime outside London last year — 156 offences per 100,000 people. There was a 32 per cent increase in The report states: 'We found the force hasn't made enough progress improving the standard of its investigations since our last inspection. Advertisement 'As a result, not enough offenders are being brought to justice. 'We acknowledge the force does a good job of investigating many of the most serious crimes. But in our crime file review, we judged that only 54 of 100 investigations were effective. This is concerning.' The Met wants more funding after a 41% rise in theft and a 58% hike in shoplifting last year yet it employed 51 officers and staff in 'culture, diversity and inclusion' roles Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson is another calling for more funding. His force is currently spending £335,653 a year paying three uniformed officers promoting diversity and inclusion, although 'all training is completed in-house,' according to a response to our FOI request. Advertisement Residents are concerned that sexual offences were up five per cent last year, while shoplifting rose by 20 per cent. HMICFRS inspectors have flagged issues with how the force monitors registered sex offenders, finding a backlog of 1,490 home visits had built up by 2023. The report added: 'At the end of our inspection period, the force told us that backlogs had been reduced to 163 overdue visits. As a result, it is considering keeping the structure it developed as part of its successful plan to reduce overdue visits.' Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, was another signatory, along with Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council. Advertisement Shocking statistics Sexual offences rose by seven per cent on Merseyside last year, according to the ONS, while shoplifting jumped by 13 per cent and The latest HMICFRS review found a significant backlog of sex offender cases, stating: 'The force doesn't have clear governance or oversight . . . to manage risks posed by online child abuse offenders. 'There are unnecessary delays in consulting with social services to start safeguarding children.' The Taxpayers' Alliance say UK police diversity jobs have increased by almost a third in three years, costing £15million since the beginning of the 2021-22 financial year. Advertisement This nonsensical obsession with diversity has to end. Anything else is a waste of time and money Chris Philp The drive is already proving controversial, with Hertfordshire Constabulary criticised for advising staff not to use 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' when addressing the public. And Staffordshire Police was blasted for warning that gender specific words such as 'policeman' may be illegal. Phrases including 'man up' and 'grow a pair' also became a no-no. 'This nonsensical obsession with diversity has to end. Anything else is a waste of time and money.' A Met Police spokesman said: 'This team works to raise standards across the Met. This work will deliver better outcomes for victims.' Advertisement And Catherine Hankinson, West Yorkshire's Deputy Chief Constable, said: 'Officers, staff and volunteers work tirelessly to reduce crime, protect the vulnerable and reassure the public. We aim to deliver the best possible service while remaining committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion.'
Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Call to reset on West Lothian community centre plans
The future of community centres in West Lothian has become mired in confusion and the council needs to rebuild public confidence, it has been claimed. West Lothian Council began a review a year ago in a bid to save £1m. Community centre management committees were encouraged to buy the buildings and manage them or take out leases with the council. Only just over half of that saving has been identified as the plan has developed Last month the council introduced a new option – where it would take control of the bulk of community centres . Many centres fear this would mean an increase in costs for user groups leading to a drop off in use and potential closures. The recent announcement that the council could end up managing the bulk of centres has further muddied the picture, the Joint Forum of Community Councils said. The Forum has now submitted a Freedom of Information (FoI) request for details of the financial savings, adding: 'The financial aspects of the review remain baffling.' In a statement the Forum added: 'It's unfortunate the council began this process with pre-determined solutions rather than with an open mind and a blank slate.' The Forum has called for a new discussion with the council to look at the positives thrown up by the review process. In its statement the Forum said: 'It appears the alternative solutions that centres were encouraged to submit have been dismissed for not meeting the required savings. Unfortunately, no further collective discussion or exploration of these proposals was encouraged or held.' It added: 'We've heard inspiring stories from Management Committees who, catalysed by the Review, held public meetings and attracted more volunteers for their centres. They've revitalised centre activities, encouraged new user groups, and actively engaged with their communities, generating a wealth of ideas for new initiatives and forging valuable contacts. 'Many have responded to suggestions for modernisation, exploring investment plans from their reserves and even considering updating their constitutions to move from unincorporated to incorporated charity status. 'They've also championed the need for a modern online booking system or a local community wealth-building repair and maintenance system, whether local or West Lothian-wide. 'Unfortunately, these promising initiatives are now in limbo, awaiting clear direction from the local authority. We believe a round table event would help everyone move forward and facilitate the implementation of these changes.' The Forum said the introduction of the council takeover option along with the inclusion, in January, of school community wings into the review had added to public confusion of what was trying to be achieved. Speaking to councillors at the Executive in early May, Julie Whitelaw, the head of Housing Customer and Building services stressed that the council management option had been shared with all management committees along with: 'the implications we would require to look at reduction in operating models looking at sustainable models.' She reiterated that the process was designed to keep community centres open and running. The Forum commented: 'To date, there hasn't been a West Lothian-wide consultation round table with the Centre's Management Committees that allowed for an open agenda without preconditions. 'We consider this a necessary step that must be taken. We ask that this suggestion be given full consideration. 'Community Centre management committees that have already decided to acquire or rent their centres have chosen their path and would naturally be excused from any future all-centre consultations.' By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian community centre management plans 'mired in confusion'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The future of community centres in West Lothian has become mired in confusion and the council needs to rebuild public confidence, it has been claimed. West Lothian Council began a review a year ago in a bid to save £1m. Community centre management committees were encouraged to buy the buildings and manage them or take out leases with the council. Only just over half of that saving has been identified as the plan has developed. Last month the council introduced a new option - where it would take control of the bulk of community centres . Many centres fear this would mean an increase in costs for user groups leading to a drop off in use and potential closures. The recent announcement that the council could end up managing the bulk of centres has further muddied the picture, the Joint Forum of Community Councils said. The Forum has now submitted a Freedom of Information ( FoI) request for details of the financial savings, adding: 'The financial aspects of the review remain baffling.' In a statement the Forum added: 'It's unfortunate the council began this process with pre-determined solutions rather than with an open mind and a blank slate.' The Forum has called for a new discussion with the council to look at the positives thrown up by the review process. In its statement the Forum said: 'It appears the alternative solutions that centres were encouraged to submit have been dismissed for not meeting the required savings. Unfortunately, no further collective discussion or exploration of these proposals was encouraged or held.' It added: 'We've heard inspiring stories from Management Committees who, catalysed by the Review, held public meetings and attracted more volunteers for their centres. They've revitalised centre activities, encouraged new user groups, and actively engaged with their communities, generating a wealth of ideas for new initiatives and forging valuable contacts. 'Many have responded to suggestions for modernisation, exploring investment plans from their reserves and even considering updating their constitutions to move from unincorporated to incorporated charity status. 'They've also championed the need for a modern online booking system or a local community wealth-building repair and maintenance system, whether local or West Lothian-wide. ' Unfortunately, these promising initiatives are now in limbo, awaiting clear direction from the local authority. We believe a round table event would help everyone move forward and facilitate the implementation of these changes.' The Forum said the introduction of the council takeover option along with the inclusion, in January, of school community wings into the review had added to public confusion of what was trying to be achieved. Speaking to councillors at the Executive in early May, Julie Whitelaw, the head of Housing Customer and Building services stressed that the council management option had been shared with all management committees along with: 'the implications we would require to look at reduction in operating models looking at sustainable models.' She reiterated that the process was designed to keep community centres open and running. The Forum commented: 'To date, there hasn't been a West Lothian-wide consultation round table with the Centre's Management Committees that allowed for an open agenda without preconditions. 'We consider this a necessary step that must be taken. We ask that this suggestion be given full consideration. 'Community Centre management committees that have already decided to acquire or rent their centres have chosen their path and would naturally be excused from any future all-centre consultations.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Fury as sick Manchester terrorist granted £1,200 in taxpayers' cash for ‘discrimination' case after £354k legal aid bill
MANCHESTER Arena terrorist Hashem Abedi was granted more than £1,200 in taxpayers' cash to launch an equal rights case in jail. The sum went to his lawyers for a complaint of religious discrimination. 3 Police give aid to civilians after the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 Credit: PA 3 Twenty-two Ariana Grande fans were killed Credit: PA:Press Association It has been added to a huge legal aid bill to fund his trial defence — even though he refused to take part in the court process. Figures disclosed under a Freedom of Information request show the total now stands at £354,015. Prison bosses also had to instruct their own lawyers before the latest wholly unjustified claim was discontinued. Tory Shadow Justice Secretary, Read more on Hashem Abedi The claim was made before Abedi, 28, He was jailed in 2020 for a minimum of 55 years for helping his suicide bomber brother Salman kill 22 In 2022 he was given another three years and ten months for attacking two officers at Belmarsh Prison in South East London. Manchester terrorist Hashem Abedi leaves prison in van after sick knife & boiling oil attack on 3 prison officers 3 Hashem Abedi was jailed in 2020 for a minimum of 55 years Credit: AP
