Statement from Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa in response to the National Audit Office (NAO) 'Financial sustainability of police forces in England and Wales 2018' report published today (11 September 2018)
“This report provides independent credible verification that police funding is not currently fit for purpose.
“The report recognises what I have been saying for a long time, namely that at a time when demand is increasing exponentially forces are spread more thinly than ever before. The out-dated and erroneous funding formula has deprived Derbyshire’s communities alone of £2m every year, due to the way the Government allocates money.
“This year it was expected that PCCs would compensate for central funding shortfalls by increasing the amount local people pay towards policing through their council tax. I do not believe it should be left to local tax-payers to plug the funding gap. Nationally, in real terms, grant funding for policing has reduced by 30% since 2010, this equates to £38m less for policing in Derbyshire resulting in nearly 800 fewer officers and staff.
“I hope the report prompts a change in attitude from the Home Office. I for one will continue to lobby for a fairer deal for Derbyshire and increased central funding for policing.”
Ends
The full report can be downloaded here
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Posted on Tuesday 11th September 2018