Welsh Liberal Democrats believe in freedom from crime and the fear of crime. Local councils play a vital role in making our communities safer and working with the police to deter criminal behaviour. Local people need to be involved so that local priorities are considered. Local councils also have to be trusted to use the tools that they have to make their communities safer.
We support a continued role for Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings and Community Safety Partnerships. We'd like to see more of an opportunity for young people to get involved in the process too. Greater freedom for communities to pursue their own priorities means that the police and the council can focus on the matters that concern local people.
We are pleased that the UK Government has rolled out the "101" number across the UK, giving residents an alternative to calling 999, releasing pressure on the emergency services and allowing people to raise community concerns. Welsh Liberal Democrats kept this going in Cardiff when Labour pulled the funding for it.
Across Wales, Welsh Liberal Democrats have been involved in making communities safer and in reducing crime. In Wrexham, we worked with the police to invest in 47 additional PCSOs across the borough and as a result crime rates have fallen. In Cardiff, we have invested heavily in alley-gating and introduced free graffiti removal. Across Wales, such as in Powys, our councillors have supported 20mph speed limits outside schools, helping to improve road safety.
Our approach will support safer communities.
