Labour-run councils outstrip Tories on CCTV and streetlighting resources

09 April 2023 , 23:01

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'Crime and antisocial behaviour blights our streets,' Lisa Nandy says (Image: PA)

Labour-run councils are spending more than Tory town halls on CCTV, street lighting, neighbourhood wardens and other crime prevention measures.

Keir Starmer's party said the analysis - published today - shows the party is giving greater priority to key services they claim prevent crime and keep residents safe.

According to the party's figures, Labour-run councils spent 70% more on street lighting, 40% more on CCTV provision, and 53% more on graffiti removal and fly tipping in 2022-23.

They added that 35% more was also spent on community safety measures, including extra neighbourhood wardens and safety advice, between 2022-23.

Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "Across the country, the Conservatives are missing in action in the fight against crime.

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"Crime and antisocial behaviour blights our streets, making some town centres feel like no-go areas and holding our communities back."

She said that due to the failures of the Tories' 13-year term in office, it is "left to Labour councils to restore order with more investment in policing, CCTV and street lighting to keep people safe."

Labour spending 40% more on CCTV provision, party says (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Westminster parties are using law and order as a major battleground in the run-up to next month's local elections where the Tories risk losing 1,000 council seats.

But in recent days Mr Starmer has been emboriled in a row over criticism of the party's attack adverts on Rishi Sunak.

Last week Labour faced calls to withdraw one of them which accused the Prime Minister of not thinking child sex attackers should go to prison.

Senior figures have also criticised it, with ex-Labour Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett suggesting the ad was an example of "gutter" politics, saying: "My party is better than this."

Over the weekend Labour doubled down on the strategy, with new adverts suggesting the PM does not think thieves should be published.

On Monday a poll showed the majority of voters believe political leaders do not display enough compassion, with 57% saying they should show more.

Jennifer Nadel, co-director of the Compassion in Politics campaign, said: "In the last few days we've seen an example of the kind of politics we must leave behind.

"A serious and sensitive issue has been used to score political points at the expense of respectful and constructive debate. And as our polling reveals - the public have had enough.

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