Government must act fast to stop a national communications project damaging local policing, says Tony Lloyd

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd

A report published by the Public Accounts Committee highlights new and serious concerns about the provision of emergency service communications in Great Britain.

The government intends to replace the existing ‘Airwaves’ radio system currently used by police, fire and ambulance services with a new ‘Emergency Services Network’ (ESN). However the £1.2bn project is already behind schedule and is likely to run over budget.

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “We need urgent answers on this. The Public Accounts committee has been scathing in its findings, warning that the project could run over budget by millions. GMP must not shoulder the costs when others are at fault, and I am working with other PCCs to get certainty on this project and confirmation that any overspend will not be taken out from policing budgets.

“Communications are essential if our blue-light services are able to respond effectively in emergency situations, including terrorist attacks. The government needs to come up with a solution fast, but they must also take full responsibility for the project and any consequences of increased costs. It is simply not fair to ask local forces to reduce the number of police officers due to large-scale projects being mismanaged at a national level.”