Speaking to Full Fact, a Home Office spokesperson acknowledged that Ms May's quote "should have referred to the proportion of crimes, rather than the number."

Of course now that the papers have supported the error, it is too late. Just like the last 'reform' undertaken by the previous Govt, the whole thing is based on prejudice rather than fact.

Sadly just about the only good thing about the last reform, the removal of the ability for local authorities to increase fees, looks set to be returned to them.

In fact it would appear that the LGA Group lobby will be given whatever they ask for.