Surrey's capped police authority has accused the CLG of ‘not understanding' the police, and of ‘lacking transparency' in the way it decides on budgets. In the latest twist, chairman Peter Williams claimed ministers were ‘forcing' the organisation to cut 50 jobs. The authority has also vowed to push ahead with a judicial review of local government minister John Healey's decision to cap its precept, which it set at 7% (see The MJ, 21 May, page 2). Rebilling will cost council taxpayers £1.2m. Mr Williams branded the decision to cap the force as ‘irrational, unreasonable and indefensible', and ‘seeming to defy financial logic'. He told The MJ: ‘The CLG does not understand the police or police authorities. I have no idea what the CLG takes into consideration when making budgetary decisions. Its only involvement with policing is as far as council tax is concerned. It thinks one-size-fits all public authorities. In the business world, we wouldn't get into this kind of stand-off.' He added: ‘I don't think this should make any difference at all to the council. We are independent.' Surrey CC has distanced itself from the row claiming ‘it doesn't affect us.' The CLG has hit back at Surrey Police Authority (SPA), saying it ‘seemed unnecessary' for it to cut jobs. A spokesman said: ‘Figures show it has reserves of £9.4m, of which £5.6m is not earmarked. The Government made clear all along that it would take capping action to protect council taxpayers. ‘It is up to SPA to decide how it wishes to proceed, but any judicial review would cost the taxpayer more and be vigorously opposed by the Government, which views the claim as unlikely to succeed.'
