Cutting police funding will allow for the creation of a squad of enforcers to tackle offences, a council has said.

Hertsmere Borough Council claims the area is “paying for a service we have not been receiving” after finding around seven out of 22 PCSO posts are vacant and receiving a £37,370 refund as a result.

It will therefore end its £130,700-a-year fund for police community support officers next year to pay for the new squad of enforcement officers.

These would be tasked with tackling antisocial behaviour as well as issues outside the police’s remit such as fly-tipping.

Watford Observer: PCC David LloydPCC David Lloyd (Image: Gene Genie Photography/Herts PCC)

But David Lloyd, the county’s Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The public repeatedly told me that it was important for them to have more officers on the streets, so it is unhelpful that this funding has been withdrawn, especially as Hertsmere was one of the original councils who supported the initiative to have a high level of PCSOs.

“This funding paid for additional PCSOs in the area, above the number the constabulary would normally assign to Hertsmere.

“It is an operational decision for the Chief Constable to decide how many PCSOs are required in each area, but there is the danger this decision could lead to a less visible presence in Hertsmere.”

Mr Lloyd added: “PCSOs are always out on patrol and they are appreciated by the public, and I remain firmly committed to their role.

“Nationally and across Hertfordshire their numbers have dropped over the past few years as many decided to become police officers, but recruitment efforts are underway to restore their numbers.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure Hertsmere remains a safe place for the community.”

Conservative councillor Caroline Clapper (Aldenham West) previously told the authority PCSOs had made “big wins” tackling antisocial behaviour in Radlett.

“There is a difference between seeing your local police officer rather than your local ‘enforcement officer’ who you might be worried will give you a fine,” she added.

Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Shenton (Bushey St James), who is responsible for Hertsmere’s budget, said: “We’re not against PCSOs, we support PCSOs, we just think the police and crime commissioner should pay for them.”

Portfolio holder for communities and enforcement, Labour councillor Christian Gray (Potters Bar Furzefield), said: “Our residents are being double-taxed to pay for PCSOs.”

The police and crime commissioner’s share of council tax rose from £223 to £238 per year on a band D property in 2023/24.

Cllr Gray described this 6.7 per cent jump as a “very large increase on the council tax bill”.