Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Police Grant Report

08 February 2023 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

Policing & Resources

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Fuller raised concerns about police grant report in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Richard Fuller highlights the disparity in police funding per capita between Bedfordshire and other regions like Merseyside and Durham.
  • The debate addresses the need for special grants to cater to Bedfordshire's unique policing requirements.
  • The minister notes that the government is increasing total policing funding by up to 287 million and committing 1.1 billion for national policing priorities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

The debate focuses on the disparity in police funding across different areas of England, with particular emphasis on Bedfordshire. Richard Fuller highlights that Bedfordshire receives significantly less per capita funding compared to other regions such as Merseyside and Durham (£203 vs £290). He also discusses the importance of special grants for Bedfordshire's policing needs, which differ from those of other areas. Additionally, he addresses concerns about balancing new and experienced officers within the force.

Other contributors (4)
  • Sarah Jones Lab Croydon West

    Sarah Jones acknowledges the contributions made by various Members regarding police funding issues. She emphasises that Labour is committed to putting 13,000 officers and PCSOs on the streets funded from procurement savings of £350 million. She criticises the Government's economic policies for burdening local taxpayers through council tax hikes while cutting public services and failing to address inflation.

  • Sarah Dines

    The Government are increasing total funding for policing by up to £287 million, providing forces with an increase of up to £523 million and committing £1.1 billion on national policing priorities. This will enable the police to maximise the value of the uplift, cut crime across the country, and increase confidence in the criminal justice system by putting victims first. The Government have allocated funding for the recruitment of 20,000 additional officers by March 2023, with 84% already recruited as of December 2022. Additionally, police and crime commissioners (PCCs) have been given flexibility to raise council tax contributions for policing without needing a local referendum.

  • Jones Lab North Durham

    The right hon. Member raised various issues at length but was described as using a teasing tone with the Policing Minister, highlighting concerns within his party and discussing the difficulties they face.

  • Jonathan Edwards PC Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

    The hon. Member pontificated at length but was criticised for focusing on issues within his own party rather than addressing substantive concerns regarding policing funding.

Government Response

Government Minister

The Government are increasing total funding for policing by up to £287 million, providing forces with an increase of up to £523 million and committing £1.1 billion on national policing priorities. This includes support for counter-terrorism policing worth more than £1 billion. The police funding settlement offers additional investment from central government for forces to maintain the 20,000 officer uplift, as well as precept flexibility for PCCs in England to support their local policing priorities.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy