Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, has written to the Home Secretary (the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP), requesting a meeting at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss the funding for Leicestershire Police.
Last week it was announced that Leicestershire Police faces a funding gap of £5.4m in the coming financial year, despite a £13 per year increase (Band D property) in the amount of council tax paid towards policing.
Rupert Matthews said today; "The funding for Leicestershire Police, per head of population, is the 11th lowest in England and Wales. Currently, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland receive around £211 per person, which is lower than the national average. Simply by lifting the amount to the average would raise an additional £8m in the coming financial year.
"It is imperative that the improvements in policing, crime prevention, victims services and community safety are protected. Inadequate funding could well, if we are not very careful, lead to an inadequate service to our communities. I will not sit back and let this happen.
"Of course, I am determined to work with the Chief Constable to minimise any negative impact from our funding challenge, but I also intend to push the Home Secretary for swift and decisive action to put an end to this unfair funding formula.
"It is unfair on those trying to deliver a quality service, be that crime prevention, enforcement or victim support. It is unfair on local residents who deserve a police force that is fairly funded. I am grateful to local taxpayers who have supported us all the way, but they should not be expected to pick up a larger slice of the funding burden.
"It's too soon to say exactly what the fallout from this funding gap will be, but I know that the Chief Constable and his team will continue to do everything they can to deliver an efficient and effective service. I know that they will do everything they can to minimise the impact on the officers and police staff. For my part, I will do everything I can to deliver a fair funding deal for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland."
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