Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Police Services: In-person Access

Monday 9 February 2026 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Every ward will have a named community officer to address community concerns
  • The 200 rule for retail crime has been scrapped to better tackle increased theft
  • Police forces receive 796 million in additional funding for the year

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove is concerned about in-person accessibility of police services following the closure of Bredbury police station.

Question

What steps she is taking to help ensure in-person access to police services. Of concern is the increased antisocial behaviour and violent incidents, especially retail crime. The community wants reassurance that they can access police in person for various reasons including accessibility and reassurance.

Answer from Sarah Jones

Every ward will have a named community officer. The £200 rule for retail crime is scrapped, and more officers are deployed to address increased theft. Additional steps include innovative solutions for visibility but the priority is having a named police officer in each ward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring communities can access police services in person was partially addressed but no concrete commitments were made.

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Q2 Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Retail crime in Woodley has increased, leading to concerns about the accessibility of local police services following the closure of Bredbury station.

Question

The community of Woodley is plagued by retail crime. Bredbury police station was closed a few years ago. The Lib Dems propose a police counter in every community for better access and reassurance. What steps are being taken to ensure that communities like Woodley can access police services in person?

Answer from Sarah Jones

Every ward will have a named community officer, and the £200 rule for retail crime has been scrapped. There are more officers deployed to address increased theft. Innovative solutions can be considered but having a named officer is key progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ensuring in-person accessibility of police services was not fully addressed with concrete commitments.

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Q3 Melanie Onn Lab Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Policing & Resources
Context

Humberside police and trade unions are concerned about potential closures of counters under Operation Balance, affecting access to local police.

Question

Local communities are worried about accessing local police due to concerns raised by Humberside police and the trade unions. Can she offer reassurance that they will be able to contact their local police when needed?

Answer from Sarah Jones

Police forces have £796 million of additional funding this year, which is a 4.5% cash increase and a 2.3% real-terms increase. The neighbourhood guarantee aims to ensure quick responses and accessibility in the community.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reassurance for accessing local police was not fully addressed with concrete commitments.

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