LAW ENFORCEMENT
New funds for policing
The Government has announced a new increased funding package of more than £1 billion for the police.
Kit Malthouse, the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service announced that the funding available to forces in 2020-21 will rise by more than £1.1 billion - should Police and Crime Commissioners choose to take full advantage of the flexibility to set the police precept.
He said: “In resource terms, that includes an increase of nearly 10 per cent on the core grant we gave forces last year.
“That’s millions more for more visible policing, out there preventing and tackling crime and bringing what the public want to see because lives are being lost, families are being devastated and communities are being torn apart - we must bring an end to this violence.
But, Malthouse added, there has to be a return on this ‘generous’ investment.
“This is the public’s money and they need to see results for their investment. So, it’s only right the Government holds them to account and we expect to see measurable outcomes from this generous settlement. That means more officers on the ground.”
Swapping paper-based forms for mobile digital working and using devices which allow them to access data in real time are among the changes, as are making greater efficiencies such as saving money on back-office services that, the Government says will be better invested in the frontline.
The police, the Secretary of State argues, are already on track to deliver savings of £30 million by the end of the next financial year from procurement alone, on top of the £70 million achieved since 2018/19.
“We will be using the National Policing Board to ensure they continue to make improvements so more is spent on reducing crime.
“This new investment supports the delivery of 6,000 more officers by the end of March 2021 across England and Wales. Putting us on track for 20,000 additional officers over the next three years. No previous Government has attempted such an ambitious police recruitment drive.
“This funding settlement will also provide £150 million to fight serious and organised criminals and £39 million to tackle serious violence including county lines drugs gangs who exploit our children."
