Maria Miller MP has welcomed a boost for local police services in Basingstoke and across Hampshire following the Government’s announcement of the largest increase in police funding since 2010. The substantial increase in funding for the police system will enable forces such as Hampshire Constabulary to continue recruiting and training, meet genuine pressures and improve their effectiveness.
The Policing Minister has announced an increase in the funding available to the police system of up to £970 million, taking the total funding package to £14 billion.
For Hampshire Police, this means a total increase in funding of up to £25m next year, including a £4m increase in Government grant funding (which means it is protected in real terms in 2019/2020); a further grant of £3m to assist with increased pensions costs; and flexibility for the Police & Crime Commissioner to raise Council Tax precept by £2 a month for a typical (Band D) household, which could raise up to £18m in local precept.
Maria said: “I am delighted that the Home Secretary and Policing Minister have listened to concerns about police funding in Hampshire and have announced a sizeable boost for next year. The Hampshire Constabulary do a fantastic job keeping our communities safe and protecting us from harm. At a time of increasing demands due to greater complexity and changes in the nature of criminal activity, it is so important that they have the funding they need to continue the work they do on our behalf.”
Maria added: “Our Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Michael Lane, has already announced that he will recommend accepting the flexibility to raise the Council Tax precept, and that this would all be used on policing services. This is good news, and has been welcomed by the Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney, as well as the Chair of the Hampshire Police Federation, Alex Charge.”