Nottingham City Council call for decision to scrap city division to be reversed

The council’s lawyers have issued a letter before action to Chief Constable Chris Eyre and Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping setting out arguments for a judicial review of the decision.

The letter outlines how, from a year after the city division was introduced to now, crimes have fallen from 75,000 to 30,000. It states that this success is in large part down to geographically-focused policing, a Divisional Commander for the city and closer working with the council – arrangements which have received national recognition. The council also believes the move flies in the face of assurances that were provided about no changes to the policing structure in Nottingham being taken before the summer.

The letter calls for the decision to be reversed and for proper consideration and consultation to be undertaken before any changes are made. Replies are sought from Mr Eyre and Mr Tipping by June 23, after which the council could instigate legal proceedings.

City Council Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Councillor Nicola Heaton, said: “In our view, doing away with the city division is a significant, strategic change in the way Nottingham is policed which goes beyond the operational decisions that a Chief Constable can take on their own. We feel this is a retrograde step which could have a damaging effect on city policing which we have been playing an increasing and effective part in over the last decade.”