PCSOs in Lancashire will not be given more powers despite cutbacks in neighbourhood policing.

Compared to neighbouring forces, the community support officers in Lancashire have very few ‘discretionary’ powers available to them to help police the streets.

PCSO powers are set nationally, but each force chief constable can grant their staff more than 20 available extra capabilities.

In Lancashire, PCSOs can give out fixed penalty notices on behalf of the police for cycling on the pavement. For local councils, they can also fine people for littering or dog fouling.

However, in bordering Greater Manchester, PCSOs have the power to fine for disorder, truancy, graffiti and fly-posting.

They also have the power to detain for 30 minutes, disperse groups, seize drugs and demand personal details over drug possession.

In West Yorkshire, PCSCOs have a similar raft of additional powers, plus dealing with begging, enforcing some licensing offences and weapon, alcohol and tobacco searches.

Lancashire Police Federation chairman John O’Reilly has said his members, rank and file police officers, would not support an increase in PCSO powers.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke said Lancashire PCSOs’ key tasks are public reassurance, reducing fear of crime and building relationships with communities.