Decision details

The Council’s Service Level Agreement with Suffolk Constabulary for three PCSO’s based in the town centre ends on 31st March 2025.

The fundamental role of the PCSO is to contribute to the policing of neighbourhoods through visible patrol with the purpose of reassuring the public, increasing orderliness in public places, being accessible to communities and working at a local level with partner agencies. The additional priorities of the town centre PCSO role and responsibilities include providing a visible presence and deterrent within Ipswich town centre and increasing confidence within the town centre through regular public and stakeholder engagement.

In consultation with the Portfolio for Communities, the Council’s Monitoring Officer, Section 151 Officer and other relevant officers a decision has been made to enter into a new agreement with Suffolk Constabulary to continue the provision of Police Community Support Officers in the town centre from 1st April 2025.

To enter into a Service Level Agreement with Suffolk Constabulary for the provision of Police Community Support Officers for the period 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2026, with the option to extend this provision for a further 3-month period until 30th June 2026.

The cost to the Council for the provision of this service will not exceed £180,000 in the period 1st April 2025 to 30th June 2026 and will be funded from the existing agreed budget for this purpose.

Reason:

To provide a visible presence and deterrent within Ipswich Town Centre and increase visitor confidence within the Town Centre through regular public and stakeholder engagement