Suffolk: Chamber gives business leaders chance to quiz PCC candidates
SUFFOLK business leaders are to get a chance to put their questions to the candidates battling to be elected as the county’s first Police and Crime Commissioner.
A “Grand Inquisition” event is being staged by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce later this month, with all four candidates for the role in Suffolk having confirmed plans to attend.
The position of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been created by the Government to replace local police authorities, with the commissioners to be responsible for leading the strategic direction of local policing, working alongside chief constables.
Voting is due to take place on Thursday, November 15, with the candidates in Suffolk being Jane Basham (Labour), David Cocks (Independent), Bill Mountford (UKIP) and Tim Passmore (Conservative).
“The ‘Grand Inquisition’ will be a great opportunity for businesses to meet the PCC candidates face to face and probe them as to what they are going to do to support business.” said Tony Addison, a Suffolk Chamber board director and its lead on business crime policy.
“Two thirds of small firms experience crime and fraud at a cost of up to �3,000 per business each year. That is why police help and engagement is critical to reduce this burden and why the role of PCC is important.”
Chris Soule, Suffolk chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses, added: “In Suffolk the business community has a very good outcome based relationship with the police and the authority, better than in any other county in this region.
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“We want that to continue which is why this event is a good time to come together and really quiz the candidates on what their priorities are. Come and join the inquisition and make a difference.”
The Grand Inquisition event is being held on Tuesday, October 30 at Suffolk New College in Rope Walk, Ipswich. Registration is at 5.30pm and the event closes at 7.30pm.
Attendance is by invitation. To apply to attend, visit www.suffolkchamber.co.uk/events .
