PCC welcomes investment into policing, but concerns remain

Today (17 December 2024) the Government has announced that it intends to provide just over £1m to be directed into Neighbourhood Policing across County Durham and Darlington.  This is part of the overall funding allocation for Durham Constabulary in the next financial year (2025-2026).

Police and Crime Commissioner for the force area, Joy Allen, has welcomed the additional investment but says that it will not make up for the unfair distribution of police funding that sees the financial disparity between Durham and forces such as Northumbria and Essex widening.  However, she is now confident that officer numbers will not be reduced in the coming financial year.

Durham is one of nine forces which still has fewer officers than in 2010 - despite demand rising faster than the average during that time.   An increasing local and national population means that the number of officers per head of population has reduced, in turn placing additional strain on the workforce.  The Commissioner has long been campaigning for a more equitable funding model to address these issues.

Today’s announcement will see total funding for the Durham force increased by £9.8m (5.8%) for 2025-2026, if the PCC raises the council tax policing precept by the Government’s expectations of £14 for a Band D property.

 However, the PCC points out that this increase will have to cover the cost of nationally agreed pay awards and the increase in employers’ national insurance which was announced in the Chancellor’s autumn budget – decisions over which she has no control.

Commissioner Allen said: “Of course I’m pleased that the Government recognises the need to invest in neighbourhood policing.  Knowing how much this matters to local residents, I have campaigned for additional investment for a long time.  

“However, in the current financial climate, £1m may not go as far as we would all hope. We will have to wait and see what this additional funding covers and how long it lasts, but none-the-less it’s good news for the public.

“I am also pleased that the Government has given some funding towards the cost of pay awards and national insurance rises but remain concerned that they expect PCCs like myself to raise the amount paid by local residents through their council tax to make up any shortfall.  In addition, we will not be receiving any grant to replace vital technology or vehicles as they get old and need replacing.

“That’s why I will still be campaigning for a better funding deal for Durham. I will be working closely with the Chief Constable to see in detail what the settlement means for the workforce, but I am confident that we will not see any reduction in officer numbers across Durham and Darlington.”

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