WEST Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner has called for a review into funding after a report found the force receives £5.8million less compared to forces of a similar size.
John Campion made the comments after Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s annual Value for Money findings was published, which compares forces of similar sizes on issues such as how much more or less they spend, the number of 999 calls they receive and how their crime rates differ.
The report found how West Mercia receives £3.7million less in funding from central government and £2.7million less in local funding in relation to its population size.
HMIC’s report also reveals how West Mercia Police receives a lower than average demand for 999 calls and emergency incidents, but it receives a higher demand for victim-based crimes.
The force also has an above average number of police officers and staff in relation to the population size, but on average less is spent on PCSOs and non-staff costs.
Mr Campion said: “I promised to deliver an efficient and effective service for our communities, whilst improving value for money.
“West Mercia Police are already delivering this service through their focus on visibility and investments in technology, but we can build on this.
“With fairer funding, we can improve resources to the areas of greatest demand. This will deliver, for the public, a police service that they should rightfully expect.”
Heather Costello, Director of Finance for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, said: “We welcome the HMIC Value for Money Profile 2016 as it helps improve transparency across the police service, and show where we are both doing well but where we can also improve. Overall the report shows that West Mercia Police compare well with other forces offering value for money to the public.
“We work closely with the Police Crime and Commissioner for West Mercia Police to help deliver a service that is both value for money and best serves the community and protecting people from harm.
“We will look in detail at the report to see if we can identify any other areas which will benefit from a focus on cost saving, as we work to continuously improve the effectiveness and value for money across the alliance.”
