Violent crime across the country has more than doubled in the past five years to a record level. Charge rates for serious crimes have fallen dramatically as the police struggle to investigate crime.

I believe violent crime is not just a failure of individuals but an overall failure of Government policy. Central Government funding for the police has been cut in real terms since 2010. In March last year, there were 21,300 fewer police officers than eight years before. Serious Organised Crime is believed to be partly behind the rise in violence. The National Crime Agency, responsible for tackling this, has said that it needs another £2.7 billion to keep up with the challenge.

Also, Government cuts have contributed to increases in the factors underlying serious violent crime. Councils have been forced to cut real-terms spending on youth services by 40% in the past three years. Schools do not have the funds to support young people who are falling behind, while Sure Start, a vital service for many vulnerable parents, has also been cut back.

This crisis cannot be allowed to continue. Knife crime and serious violence will continue until the Government provides the leadership, concerted action and resources needed to tackle it.

I would like to know if you feel that your safety in Worsley & Eccles South has been affected by the cut in police officers in Greater Manchester and what your experience of crime and anti-social behaviour has been.

Please complete the survey below to let me know.