Southampton Special Constables to be exempt from Council Tax

I am pleased that last week the City Council approved a new scheme to help the Police recruit more Special Constables in the city. From April residents who live in Southampton and who volunteer as Specials to help police the local streets will be exempt from playing council tax.

I am delighted that after a three year long campaign the scheme will be up and running in a few months time.

When I knock on doors and meet people, time and time again I am told that we need more police on the streets. The numbers of Special Constables has halved since 1997 and it is hoped that this new initiative will double number in Southampton.

Southampton Launches Special Constable Drive

Conservative Councillors in Southampton have launched a groundbreaking new initiative. On Wednesday approval was given for a scheme which will see council tax scrapped for local people who sign up as volunteer police, to help police Southampton's streets. The drive to recruit a further 25 special constables in Southampton comes the same week that Hampshire Police Authority, facing financial pressures from government, has moved to axe 81 uniformed police in Hampshire.

This is a great initiative. We are hopeful that we can help recruit more specials in Southampton and support existing volunteers who do a tremendous job, currently with no reward. Specials have full police powers and make a huge difference, supporting the police and keeping our streets safe.

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Royston Smith holds the the Council's portfolio with responsibility for community safety and he talks HERE about the new scheme: