Police Funding Formula 2024-01-15
2024-01-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted a cross-party agreement that the current police funding formula is unfair, particularly affecting Bedfordshire. The Conservative PCC acknowledged there is little remaining for local policing.
What progress has been made on reviewing the police funding formula? My constituents are fed up with being told they have never had it so good or receiving one-off grants. Will the Minister commit to a date to deliver a fair funding formula?
An increase of £10.2 million is expected for Bedfordshire in 2024-25, which represents an extra 6.5% compared with this year. The police force will also have 1,455 officers, the highest number in its history.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a specific date for delivering a fair funding formula.
The Answer Provided Statistics On Current Funding But Did Not Commit To A Timeline.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Continuing from the previous exchange, the MP emphasized cross-party agreement on unfair police funding in Bedfordshire.
The current funding formula is unfair for Bedfordshire. Will the Minister meet all Bedfordshire MPs to press the case for increases in funding for Bedfordshire Police?
Bedfordshire Police will receive an extra £10.2 million next year, representing about 6.5% increase over the current year. This is welcome news for the county but I am happy to meet with my hon. Friend at any time.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a meeting with Bedfordshire MPs was not explicitly confirmed.
Providing Funding Statistics Without Committing To A Specific Meeting.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted cross-party concern over police underfunding in Bedfordshire.
Bedfordshire Police is underfunded and there is a need for increased support. Will the Minister agree to meet all Bedfordshire MPs so we can press the case for more funding?
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend and I confirm that Bedfordshire Police will receive an extra £10.2 million next year, a 6.5% increase over the current year.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a meeting with all Bedfordshire MPs was not confirmed.
Providing Funding Statistics Without Committing To A Specific Meeting.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted serious concerns from police forces regarding the funding formula's impact on their ability to address town centre crime. Retail crime is increasing with over 850 violent incidents daily.
Retail crime is out of control, harming shop workers. Will the Home Secretary accept Labour's plan for a new law protecting retail workers and acknowledge that current measures are insufficient?
Theft offences have decreased by 47% since 2010. We have launched a retail crime action plan and legislated in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 to address these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to accepting Labour's proposed law on retail worker protection was not given.
Providing Statistics And Existing Measures Without Acknowledging The Specific Request.
Response accuracy