Police Grant Report

Asked if Bedfordshire Police will see an end to top-up grants in favour of core funding that accounts for their specific needs.

Noted that Lincolnshire, despite the extra money announced, remains the worst-funded authority with the lowest staffing levels due to its sparseness. He called on the Minister to look closely at what more can be done until changes are made to the funding formula.

Challenged the accuracy of the funding picture presented by the Minister, noting that West Yorkshire police faced a £25 million direct funding cut between 2015-16 and 2019-20, with over £100 million in cumulative Government cuts since 2015.

Pointed out that the proportion of total funding coming from the police precept has increased significantly; for instance, Dyfed-Powys police's reliance on the precept rose from 37% in 2010-11 to 54.4% this year.

Asked about the precept and expressed that constituents would be willing to pay more for policing if they attached importance to it, based on feedback from correspondence.

Called upon the Minister to distance himself from comments made by Cheshire's PCC regarding schoolgirls' attire and urged him to join in calling for the PCC's resignation over such statements.

Commended Leicestershire police for their work, particularly in Loughborough against county lines issues. Asked if efficiency measures could be taken beyond increasing precept values, like reducing unnecessary redactions in evidence.

Inquired about the extent of ongoing training or support given to new police officers hired since significant cuts were made during austerity measures.

Critiqued the closure of one police station per week over recent years, resulting in a 40% reduction. Asked about plans to reopen stations in communities affected by antisocial behaviour.

The current policing budget fails to address critical issues such as neighbourhood policing, which has seen a collapse with 10,000 fewer officers on the beat. The government’s new recruits are not filling frontline roles effectively due to a shortage of civilian staff. This results in half of people never seeing police on the streets and an alarming increase in crime rates that go unsolved.

Neighbourhood policing is essential for community-police relations, increasing confidence in policing and preventing antisocial behaviour. Substantial cuts have led to the loss of 1,000 neighbourhood police officers in West Yorkshire alone.

The central Government grant is increasing by just over £600 million, while the anticipated increase through the precept is about £300 million. The government grant accounts for two-thirds of the funding increase.

The current unfair funding formula leaves local police under-resourced and let down by inaction on reform, which Ministers owe it to them to deliver within this Parliament.

Welcomed the uplift in funding for Devon and Cornwall Police, noting an increase of 7.1% which is higher than the national average. Highlighted the recruitment success with a record number of police officers at 3,610. Emphasised concerns about frontline officers dealing with non-policing matters due to other sectors not fulfilling their roles adequately. Called for better cooperation between different parts of the public sector and Government Departments to support frontline policing. Raised issues regarding the unique challenges in Devon and Cornwall due to its geography and tourism impact, urging a review of the funding formula considering factors such as rurality and sparseness.

Agreed with Steve Double's points about the challenges faced by Devon and Cornwall Police due to geography and tourism. Emphasised that an influx of people to Camber Sands can make police resourcing difficult, highlighting the need for specific and absolute funding consideration rather than relative need.

Expressed gratitude towards the Minister's proposals on police funding settlement. Highlighted Suffolk's core funding increase of 6.7% with hotspot response finance of £1 million. Raised concerns about the long-promised funding review and consistency in Government commitments, specifically mentioning budgeting challenges for Police and Crime Commissioners due to changes in funding for the safer streets initiative. Called for a review on the decision affecting Suffolk and other forces across the country. Emphasised the importance of reducing red tape and supporting efforts to amend the Data Protection Act 2018 to mitigate bureaucratic burdens imposed on police officers.

The shadow minister highlighted instances where the government has failed in addressing retail crime and other issues. He questioned the seriousness of some crimes despite their reduction, suggesting that the Government's approach may not fully address the complexities of current policing challenges.

The MP acknowledged an increase in police numbers in his constituency but raised concerns about the impact of mental health incidents on police time. He emphasised the need for more efficient handling of such cases to free up police resources.

The MP noted that Suffolk constabulary received a percentage increase in its budget but was concerned about reductions in funding for specific programmes like the safer streets initiative. He requested further clarification and assurance from the government.