Crime commissioner's warning over police funding

Lincolnshire's police and crime commissioner said that people in the county could see "a difference in service levels" if government funding is not increased.

Marc Jones said the force was facing a potential £19m shortfall.

He said the National Insurance increase announced in the Budget last week alongside a pay award would cost an additional £5m.

The Home Office said there would be "real increases in funding for policing".

Mr Jones told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Unfortunately the budget has done nothing to ease the financial difficulties faced.

"Given that the vast majority of spending is on staff and officers, it will mean that an entirely new model of policing will have to be developed and implemented by the chief constable and his team to live within the budget available.

"I have a high level of confidence that he will do everything possible to deliver the best service he can for Lincolnshire communities but I must be clear – we will notice a difference in service levels if Government fail to act now to support Lincolnshire Police."

The commissioner said he was seeking a judicial review of the money provided by central government, claiming that Lincolnshire was "the lowest funded force in the UK".

The force said it receives £196 per resident from the government, compared to £246 in Humberside and £221 in Norfolk.

Chief Constable Paul Gibson said before the Budget: "It’s clear the current funding formula has meant Lincolnshire Police has been underfunded for many years."

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "This week’s Budget ensures real increases in funding for policing. Lincolnshire Police will receive up to £164.3m in funding in 2024-25.

"This is in addition to £1.4m provided for the 2024-25 pay award which has been allocated outside of the police funding settlement."

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