NEWS that the NHS is set to receive a cash boost from Government coffers should set some \u2018serious\u2019 conversations going about police funding.<\/p>\n
Around \u00a325 billion a year by 2023 has been set aside for the struggling NHS and Ministers have already admitted the cash injection will leave the cupboards bare for the police and other public services.<\/p>\n
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South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Zuleika Payne said it was frustrating news for police officers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all understand just how needed the extra investment into the NHS is and we welcome it, especially if it helps alleviate some of the extra pressures on the police from dealing with people with mental health issues for instance, or those who simply walk out of a hospital and then the police are deployed to assist\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, for me, the news needs to prompt some serious discussions about police funding at the top level.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately we are incredibly frustrated that we are unable to deliver the service that we would really like to.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing more frustrating than a group of professional people desperate to do their job to the best of their ability but being unable to just because of resources and a lack of investment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are struggling, we appreciate the NHS is being invested in and that\u2019s great news, but the conversation about police funding needs to happen now.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NHS, education, the police, the fire service \u2013 we are all in this together trying to help and protect the public, so perhaps the argument for investment all round needs to be stepped up.\u201d<\/p>\n