Police Grant Report

Called for the debate on the Police Grant Report, noting that although initially it was not considered by the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments, it has since been reviewed and not drawn to attention.

Welcomed Cheshire Constabulary's recruitment efforts but questioned whether steps are being taken to address officer churn and retention issues.

Asked about the support for capital investment in police forces, particularly concerning a joint firearms unit between Dyfed-Powys, Gwent, and South Wales that is largely funded from reserves.

Pointed out that despite being an efficient force, Durham Constabulary has lost 325 officers since 2010 and will be short by 153 officers compared to 2020 levels even after the funding uplift. He argued that without addressing the low precept in council tax base, these ambitions cannot be met.

Asked if the £796 million given to police and crime commissioners undermines their accountability by making them dependent on decisions made by the Minister, highlighting that they now have flexibility but also responsibility.

Complimented Northamptonshire Police's Operation Crooked for its effectiveness in reducing domestic break-ins and suggested other forces should adopt similar measures to demonstrate effective use of funding.

Critiques the police grant report stating it lacks ambition and fails to address challenges adequately, criticising high reliance on council tax precept which exacerbates inequality. Calls for reform in funding formula to ensure fair distribution among communities. Highlights issues of recruitment diversity, prosecutions, and effectiveness of 'Beating Crime Plan'. Urges Government to focus on crime reduction, victim justice, neighbourhood policing, and proper economic function.

Supports the point that when the Government announces increases in police funding, they often neglect to inform the public about the significant portion of this funding coming from local council tax payers. Argues that this policy continues a trend of shifting policing costs from central government to local taxpayers over the past 11 years.

Mr. Loder expressed his gratitude to the Minister and highlighted the importance of addressing the funding disparity for Dorset's police force, which faces a crime pressure three times the national average despite receiving less than the 5.8% average funding increase. He emphasised that while acknowledging the recent settlement, Dorset needs its fair share of funding to tackle serious and organised crime, including county lines drug gangs and seasonal population surges. Mr. Loder also mentioned the exceptional work being done by the police and crime commissioner and chief constable in planning strategies against drug issues.

The Member thanks Durham police for their commitment despite budget challenges, criticises cuts to police funding since 2010, and highlights that County Durham lost 325 experienced officers. He argues against the government's claim of providing extra money for policing without transparency about local council tax increases. The Member also discusses the impact on fire and rescue services and raises concerns over court closures and CPS inefficiencies.

Pays tribute to police officers and staff in Bedfordshire, highlights the increase in officer numbers and budget since 2010. Acknowledges reliance on special grants for financial sustainability but emphasises the need to address the funding formula issue from 2004 onwards. Notes the high number of organised criminal gangs and county lines gangs in Bedfordshire and stresses the importance of having officers stationed where they are needed most.

Acknowledges new officer numbers but points out that these merely replace cuts since 2010. Emphasises the importance of neighbourhood policing in providing reassurance and building rapport with communities, noting a significant decimation of this type of policing across the country. Cites an example from his time as a county councillor where joint efforts reduced antisocial behaviour.

Expressed concerns about the low police funding for Dorset, noting that it is currently ranked 40th out of 41 forces in terms of national funding formula. Highlighted issues such as drug and violence prevention, county lines operation involving young people travelling with knives or cash to sell drugs, and the lack of a violence reduction unit or Project ADDER funding. Emphasised the need for more resources to tackle crime during peak tourist periods.

Acknowledged that crime remains a concern but focused on 10 pieces of good news regarding Bedfordshire's police force. These include cross-party support for the funding formula review, unanimous agreement by local councillors to increase the precept for local policing plans, leadership from the Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye, focus on rural crime teams, progress in hare coursing legislation, knife crime reduction initiatives, improvements in prosecuting serious sexual violence, and increased rates of burglary detection.

The debate touched on all major issues, such as police numbers being 17,000 fewer than in 2010. There is also the council tax precept issue where a third of increased funding must come from local taxes. This prevents levelling up and perpetuates inequality within the formula. The lack of policing in neighbourhoods and low prosecution rates were highlighted as major issues.

I am pleased to confirm that work on reviewing the funding formula is under way, with a technical oversight group appointed. The consultation will go ahead this summer and parliamentary engagement in late spring. I caution Members about unintended consequences of pushing certain indicators such as tourism in the formula.