Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have implemented a hike in Council Tax in order to fund the introduction of police in schools. This is against the wishes of teachers, parents and students – find out more including how to join the campaign against police in schools.
A hike in Council Tax rates in Greater Manchester will provide £10mil more funding to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). This is on top of the extra £30mil GMP have received from GMCA’s core grant.
The Council Tax increase (£10mil) will be used to recruit 325 new officers and introduce new policing initiatives, including more police in schools. Our Decriminalise the Classroom report documents the concerns of young people, teachers, parents, and community members around police in schools.
Only 502 people were consulted by GMCA on these plans. Only 34% said they’d support an increase of £1.25 p/m in Council Tax. GMCA went ahead regardless. Not only that, Band D properties will pay £10 more Council Tax!
GMP has shown it’s not only incapable of keeping our communities safe, but that it causes systemic harm and injustice, felt particularly by Black and Brown and/or working-class people. What could the £10mil Council Tax hike fund instead?
Instead of funding new officers, the Council Tax increase could fund 454 School-Based Counsellors (on the average salary of £22,000). Evidence shows this intervention can improve: young people’s mental health & wellbeing; improves behaviour; reduces school exclusions; and improves overall attainment and enjoyment of school.
Instead of funding new officers, the Council Tax increase could fund 454 Youth Workers (on the average salary of £22,000). Evidence shows this intervention helps young people improve and develop positive social relationships; builds their confidence; improves decision making skills; and gives them an outlet to express themselves.
Instead of funding new officers, the Council Tax increase could fund 400 Restorative Justice practitioners (on the average salary of £25,000). Evidence shows this intervention: fosters meaningful dialogue; reducing reoffending; helps to repair harm; and builds a stronger sense of community.
In a context where the police are failing to keep us safe, defunding is an urgent task. Instead, funding must be diverted to community-based programmes for public safety. We must build new ways of responding to harm and inequality, and enacting new forms of justice.