Now vote could put an end to special constables' council tax allowances

Councillors are to vote on whether to stop giving council tax discounts to special constables in Hull.

The force of trained volunteers has already seen their 1,500-a-year bounty payments axed earlier this year, following a decision by Humberside Police Authority. But now some of those who criticised that decision are now being asked to stop allowances, worth 50 per cent off council tax bills, to dozens of special constables.

Last year 88 special constables were eligible to apply for the discount. Of them 62 did so, at a cost of 20,197 to the taxpayer. A report to Hull Council's Cabinet says putting a stop to the bounty payments from April this year has had little impact on numbers. It adds: "This therefore suggests that the financial issue is not a significant determinant in someone becoming a special constable."

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However, Liberal Democrat portfolio holder Sarita Bush supports the payments in the report, saying she believes it is important that the volunteers continue to benefit from the discount "in recognition of their commitment to the city".

Hull councillors were so infuriated by the decision to axe the bounties that they branded the majority of Humberside

Police Authority members "supine".

A letter published in April and signed by 20 councillors from across the political spectrum, including council leader Carl

Minns, said: "Police authority members, it seems, are

useful enough when agreeing to increase the council tax precept by some four per cent when times are hard for everyone, but when it comes to how that money will be used, they can 'butt out'."

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