The police settlement announced by Government yesterday confirmed Thames Valley Police’s core funding will be £8.8m less than expected, barely covering the costs of inflation and pay increases.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber said: “This settlement is terrible news for Thames Valley Police. While the Government push headlines claiming they are investing more in policing the harsh reality is that yesterday’s settlement means nearly £9m less than we were expecting. Even with the significant burden the Government are looking to pass on to local council taxpayers this still leaves a huge gap in our funding plans for policing next year. I am appalled by the way the Government has handled this process which leaves Forces struggling to balance budgets and is in complete contradiction to the Government’s own Comprehensive Spending Review.
“I have already met with the Chief Constable and will be working over the Christmas period to consider how we can still set the budget in the New Year which will continue to prioritise the protection of front-line services. It will be challenging to balance the budget going forward. It is likely to mean delaying or cancelling future spending plans as well as drawing down our reserves sooner than anticipated rather than finding additional productivity savings above what the force has already planned.
“Sound financial planning means that Thames Valley is in a stronger position than many police forces. I am confident that we will be able to amend our plans to ensure that we can maintain frontline policing; these cuts from the Home Office will inevitably have a long-term impact unless the Government think again.
“This appalling situation reinforces the urgent need for a review of the police funding formula which is outdated and becoming more unsustainable every year.”
