Julian Knight MP has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the largest increase in police funding since 2010.
The rise, worth up to £970 million nationally, could see West Midlands Police receive £34.2 million, a 6.4 per cent increase, in 2019-20. This would come from:
- £8.9 million in central Government grants
- £18.4 million from the PCC’s precept
- £7 million in pension funding
Julian has also welcomed the Home Office’s commitment to fighting serious and organised crime, including economic crime and drug trafficking, with a £90 million investment in national, regional and local capabilities.
Additionally, the settlement will again see £175 million going into the Police Transformation Fund, which includes investment for innovative new crime prevention techniques and a new national welfare service for front line officers, and £495 million for national police technology capabilities.
Commenting on the news, Julian said:
“I have spoken to many residents who are worried about our local police services, and I know that they will welcome this extra support from the Government. I have long fought in Westminster for more funding for our local force, and I’m glad that ministers have listened.
“The question is whether the Police and Crime Commissioner will pass this new funding down to our community, or use it to further pad his reserves whilst further reducing the on-the-ground police presence here in Solihull.”
