WORCESTER and Malvern’s MPs have welcomed the Government’s decision to increase funding for West Mercia Police by £2.3m to £122.4m next year.
Robin Walker and Harriett Baldwin spoke out after neighbouring MP and Home Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed the provisional police funding settlement nationwide would rise to £14billion for 2019-20 – £970m more than the previous year.
Among the increases in funding is an increase of £59m to fund counter-terrorism policing nationally which will have a budget of £816m alone next year.
The extra money has been allocated to help police deal with new challenges, like cyber crime and modern day slavery as well as the increase in serious organised crime.
“I’m very pleased to see West Mercia Police getting the largest increase in their central grant funding since 2010,” said Mr Walker.
“By helping forces with increased cost pressures such as pensions, more money can be spent on front-line policing.”
“I would particularly like to thank West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, who has been a consistent campaigner for increased police funding in the region,” he added.
Mrs Baldwin said: “When I last met with John Campion, the West Mercia PCC, we talked about the importance of dealing with the impact of serious organised crime and the impact of cashpoint thefts on our rural communities.
“The force has already announced it is looking to recruit 100 more officers and I hope this money will mean more visible policing, in particular for our rural areas.”
The news was immediately welcomed by the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mr Campion who said the Home Office had also confirmed increased flexibility over the police precept of council tax for Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales.
“It’s clear Sajid Javid has listened to and delivered for the communities of West Mercia,” said PCC Campion.
“I have spoken with him personally on a number of occasions to discuss police resources. I am grateful for him listening and doing everything possible to support our police and make our communities safer.
“Next year’s draft budget for West Mercia is almost complete. I will consider the options regarding the precept and publish my proposals shortly.”
