The following was received from Caroline Pidgeon, the GLA Member and Deputy Chair of the Greater London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee about Policing in London

The Mayor of London recently appointed former Leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, Stephen Greenhalgh, as his Deputy Mayor for Policing.  His appointment is very worrying given the huge budget pressures on the Metropolitan Police, with a budget gap of over £150million in 2013/14 and over £230million in 2014/15.  These budget gaps are in addition to the £390 million of savings the MPS has identified but still needs to deliver as part of its 2012-15 budget plans.

The Committee, where I sit as a Deputy Chair, has been looking at a number of issues over the last few months as well as trying to hold Stephen Greenhalgh to account.  We have held a session looking at plans for the restructure of territorial policing in London.  This is our Borough policing and could affect police stations, front counters and Safer Neighbourhood Teams.  It is something I am very concerned about and will continue to ask challenging questions

We have also started an investigation into the support for victims of crime in the capital.  We have been looking at what the Metropolitan Police is doing to improve care and support for victims, as well as the Deputy Mayor’s responsibilities for victims.  This hearing is being followed up with a number of site visits and meetings with community groups.