Today, we met with the policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson to discuss the inadequacy of the current police funding settlement for Lincolnshire.
If the Government do not provide more funding very soon, Lincolnshire Police will, in October, be forced to progress towards dramatic reductions in police officer and staff numbers.
An independent CIPFA report, looking at the detailed finances of the force, has been clear that they are efficiently run and expressed concerns that if funding is not forthcoming, Lincolnshire Police could be forced to issue a section 114 notice (essentially bankruptcy).
The Minister listened to us today and expressed her understanding of the concerns raised. She told us that it is the Government's intention to bring forward a White Paper this autumn which will centralise some aspects of police procurement. She also stated that the Government intend to review by which police funding is divided by the 43 forces.
This may be welcome in the medium term, but doesn't help in the short term.
We have highlighted the importance of an interim funding boost to Lincolnshire Police to ensure the safety of local people.
It has been suggested by some that the police component of council tax bills could be increased by a large amount to plug the gap. I have been clear that my constituents have already paid for the police force so it would be unreasonable to pay for something that other areas have funded from central Government.
I was disappointed that the Minister has not promised additional funds today, but she has said she will meet with the Chief Constable again next week and do what she can to get Lincolnshire the money it needs to keep our population safe. Me and my Conservative colleagues will continue to press the Minister to do so.
