Concerns as police rely on food vouchers to make ends meet

Public safety fears are on the rise because Gloucestershire police officers could be struggling to make ends meet and therefore unable to do their work properly.

Earlier this year it was revealed that Gloucestershire Constabulary staff were relying on food vouchers.

And now a recent report which outlines the force’s plans to recover from a damning inspection last year suggests the cost of living crisis could hinder their progress.

Increasing cost pressures on both the constabulary and employees in particular is cited as a potential barrier to making an effective recovery from last year’s report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

Councillor David Willingham (LD, St Mark’s and St Peter’s), who sits on the police and crime panel at Gloucestershire County Council, says people cannot do their best work when they are worried about where their next meal will come from.

“No-one in the UK should have to resort to food banks to get by, but reports that some police staff are using food vouchers in Gloucestershire should give us all cause for concern. The police play a vital role in protecting our communities.

“Their work is often very physically demanding and mentally challenging.  People cannot do their best work when they haven’t had the food they need or are worried about where their next meal will come from.

“This situation presents a real risk to public safety.  It is extremely concerning that the police and crime commissioner did not intervene before staff ended up in this worrying situation.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson agreed that it was very concerning that some officers have needed to use food vouchers.

However, he said he was pleased to have lobbied the Government to increase pay for the lowest paid officers and staff.

“I agree it is very concerning that some officers and staff have felt the need to access the very generous food voucher scheme from our county council.  Our hard working heroes deserve our full support.

“That is why I was so pleased that my lobbying of the Government led to a national pay award that was focussed on our lowest paid officers and staff. I have also discussed with the Chief Constable various other ways we can help our lowest paid, in line with best practice welfare arrangements around the country, including special one-off payments.

“I am also working tirelessly with the chief to recruit more officers and staff, to fight crime, make our county safer, reduce police workloads, and improve their work/life balance.”

A Gloucestershire Constabulary press officer said they are signposting staff to extra support services and looking at other measures to support employees during the current cost of living crisis as well as offering them food vouchers.

They said: “These measures include the possibility of community fridges, food exchanges and other schemes with the organisation.

“It is a shame that anyone has to use food vouchers or foodbanks which is why, in line with other employers and as part of our supportive leadership and wellbeing approach, we wanted to do the right thing and support staff during this difficult time.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure that our staff are supported.”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk