West Lindsey District Council Dispute CCTV Cutbacks

West Lindsey District Council dispute claims they are cutting back on CCTV cameras.

10:18 14 July 2019

 

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has claim that West Lindsey District Council is investing £77,000 in CCTV in the financial year 2019/20. The number is 21per cent lower than last year’s figure when the council reported a net spend of £98,000 on surveillance.

 

 

 

The council said that the figures are misleading and does not reflect how much money it has pumped into its CCTV operation.

 

 

 

A statement read: “These figures do not accurately reflect the investment West Lindsey District Council is making into our CCTV operation.

 

 

 

“We have been investing in new technology, which is both better quality and cuts costs for us.

 

 

 

“We are expanding our CCTV operation, in line with our Corporate Plan, and we’re working closely with police, shops and pubs to ensure the district is safe.”

 

 

 

The Local Government Association (LGA) says councils should prioritise surveillance due to its wide-reaching benefits.

 

 

 

Simon Blackburn, of the LGA, said: “Public surveillance cameras have helped bring criminals to justice, increased conviction rates after crimes are detected, and are an important tool in tracking terrorist suspects.

 

 

 

“CCTV protects the public by dissuading crime and anti-social behaviour, assisting police officers on the ground and supporting prosecutions.”