Beat bobbies

I refer to an article under the title, “Edinburgh first in Scotland to cut funds for ‘local bobbies’” (16 September). I should like to point out that the budget has not been decided and won’t be until February 2014. The draft to which your article refers will now be discussed and debated with all interested parties and stakeholders prior to the final decision.

The proposal to reduce the grant for community policing by £500,000 will be reviewed 
in the light of the consultation exercise now under way.

We will, of course, be seeking the views of Police Scotland, neighbourhood partnerships and community councils, as well as citizens of the City of Edinburgh and others in general.

If and when Police Scotland provides us with the appropriate information about how this money is used, I for one would be very surprised indeed if this particular budget line was not revisited.

(Cllr) Steve Cardownie

Deputy council leader

City of Edinburgh Council