Police Numbers
New analysis of National Audit Office data by the Labour Party shows a fall in central government funding to Sussex Police of more than £57 million in real terms since the Coalition Government came to power in 2010.
Last month the Home Secretary admitted that “there is a need for more resources” for the police. But there was no indication in the national Budget subsequently put forward by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond of any fresh money.
Katy Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex (who was last month re-selected by the Conservative party as their candidate for a further term of office from 2020) has made recent statements that she would take £17 million from reserves to improve front line policing in Hastings and that 200 officers will be recruited Sussex-wide by 2022. On top of the reserves and at her request, the precept for the police on Council tax in the county has gone up on average by £12 per household to pay for policing.
Peter Chowney, speaking as prospective Labour Party candidate for the parliamentary constituency of Hastings and Rye, has responded: “We have been told by Government that austerity is over, so why are we still seeing cuts to police budgets? Since 2010, resources have been cut dramatically. Enormous demands are being made on the police to tackle the ‘county-line’ drugs trade, address safeguarding of children issues and cyber-crime, all of which have increased significantly. Labour’s commitment to policing and public safety will keep communities safe. In government, we will immediately recruit 10,000 more police officers. Austerity for the police and everyone else will end with a Labour government”.
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