PCC in row with Government over force funding
LANCASHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner has accused the Government of misleading residents over increases in police budgets.
Policing minister Nick Hurd revealed the latest finance settlement for PCCs around the country to fund their forces, with next year’s central grant funding allocation to Lancashire staying at about £190m.
The announcement said that those budgets could receive an increase – but that could only happen if local authorities chose to raise council tax to finance it.
Nationally, there will be £450m rise in police budgets, including £50m dedicated to counter-terrorism and £130m for “priorities”, such as special grants to help cover unexpected costs.
However, critics argue that forces are facing a real-terms cut once inflation is factored in.
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, was among those unhappy with the announcement.
He said: “I welcome any new money which comes into policing to help keep people safe, however this announcement fails to deliver any new money from government directly towards policing here in Lancashire.
“The Government need to be clear. Based on their announcement, any increase in local funding is completely reliant on police and crime commissioners raising council tax by the highest amount we possibly can.
“With inflation at its highest for years and increasing pressures on a service which has seen Lancashire lose 800 officers and more than 400 police staff, the Government knows this means commissioners will need to raise council tax to even maintain the service residents need and deserve.
“After years of disingenuously claiming to be protecting police budgets, when forces like Lancashire have received less and less, the Government now expects local council tax payers to bail them out.
“This announcement doesn’t come close to addressing the issues faced by Lancashire police after cutting too far and too fast for the last seven years.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Police forces have the resources they need to do their vital work.
“Crimes traditionally measured by the Independent Crime Survey for England and Wales are down by almost 40% since 2010 and by 70% since their peak in 1995.
“We have worked closely with forces and announced a comprehensive funding settlement for next year, which means funding for local, national and counter terrorism police will increase by up to £450m.
“Lancashire police’s funding will increase by more than £6m next year if the police and crime commissioner uses his council precept flexibility.
“In March 2017, Lancashire police had reserves of £46.7m.
“The Government is also clear police forces can improve productivity and increase efficiency.
“Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Fire Service has said forces can be more ambitious with their plans to reform.”