Reaction to Government announcement of an extra £100m funding for policing nationwide

PRESS STATEMENT

Reaction to Government announcement of an extra £100m funding for policing nationwide

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“At long last we have a Government in power that’s backing up its words to cut crime with the cash needed to help do it. Nearly fifteen years of cuts can’t be fixed in a flash, but it’s clear our concerns have been listened to. We are being handed a long due financial boost to neighbourhood policing – one that will help deliver my plan for safer streets and stronger communities across Northumbria.

“We await further detail from the Home Office, and I look forward to working with the Chief Constable to determine what this translates to operationally in terms of boots on the ground and investigative work behind the scenes. All in all, its good news and will help officers deter, prevent and respond to crime in our area – growing people’s confidence and overall feelings of safety.

“We must remember though, this is the starting point and money is still tight, funding has been stripped back over the years and police budgets are still reliant on a third of their funding being raised through local taxes. What it does mean is that we can do more. Instead of sustaining current policing levels, we can explore ways to bolster them. Any additional resource we can get our hands on is welcome, but it doesn’t change our commitment to working hard to balance the books to ensure our police force is both efficient and effective, offering good value for money for Northumbria’s residents.”