Lack of Government support for police funding deeply concerning

THE lack of governmental support for policing’s financial future is “deeply concerning” South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

Steve Kent, Federation Chair, was speaking after last month’s autumn statement failed to make any reassurances about policing.

He said: “There have been no reassurances that policing budgets are going to be protected or improved in the coming years, which is what we desperately need.

“We know from conversations with our force and all forces around the country, purse strings are going to have to be tightened and, at a time when policing is stretched to the limit, that is deeply concerning.”

One in eight police forces in England and Wales are in special measures and in “dire need” of Government funding to improve and future proof services, the Police Federation of England and Wales has said.

A spokesman warned earlier this month: “Yet the Government is seeking stringent austerity measures from key departments. The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement has again left policing without sufficient investment making it impossible to make necessary improvements or execute desired reforms, while other crucial public services have been promised a funding boost of £3.3billion. There has been no consideration given to investment in infrastructure, technology or services to enable forces to provide the quality of policing the public deserves.

“PFEW is appealing to the Government to consider the constraints of police officers before forming policies affecting them directly and indirectly. Future proofing and developing our police service must be considered to enable officers to protect the public and police in a way that supports society. Failing to do so, will spell dire consequences for the profession and ultimately put public safety at risk.”