Gloucestershire PCC Martin Surl marks 100 days in office (From Stroud News and Journal)

Gloucestershire PCC Martin Surl marks 100 days in office

4:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Kate Wilson, Reporter

This week, Martin Surl marked 100 days as Gloucestershire's first Police and Crime Commissioner. Kate Wilson took a closer look at his time in office so far.

 

FOR Martin Surl, the past 100 days have flown past.

"I cannot believe I have been in the job 100 days already," he said.

"It has been hard work but I came into it with my eyes open and I knew I would have to hit the ground running.

"The timing of the election was not ideal because it left so little time to prepare not only the budget but also the police and crime plan, which will form the basis of how I want to see Gloucestershire policed over the next three and a half years while I am in post.

"At the same time, I also had to appoint a new chief constable. But despite what has been said by others, I am satisfied that the constabulary is now in a sound financial position and with the new chief also in place, I am confident we can work together to achieve my main objectives of less crime and more peace and good order."

Martin Surl  - 100 days in office

November 16: Independent candidate Martin Surl is elected as Gloucestershire's first Police and Crime Commissioner with 36,586 votes.

November 22: Martin starts work as the Police and Crime Commissioner.

December 6: Martin warns the Government against police cuts at a meeting with home secretary Theresa May.

January 14: Martin appoints Suzette Davenport as chief constable of Gloucestershire.

 

January 24: The Police and Crime Commissioner asks taxpayers how much of an increase they would be willing to accept to council tax.

 

January 29: Martin reveals his election expenses were £7,350.34.

 

January 30: The commissioner announces he is asking for a two per cent increase on council tax - an extra £3.99 a year to the annual bill for a Band D property or eight pence a week.

 

February 6: Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel accept Martin's precept for the upcoming year - including a two per cent increase in council tax.

 

February 12: Martin is guest speaker at the Five Valleys Business Club lunch held at Wycliffe College.

February 26: The Commissioners Fund is officially launched after granting £30,000 to the Gloucestershire Pathfinder Project.

 

March 1: Martin marks 100 days as Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner