POLICE forces have been granted an extra £300million by the government – but the West Midlands Police chief says it’s another real-terms cut.
The latest funding settlement was announced by the Home Office today.
Ministers praised it as the largest increase in police funding since 2010.
But the region’s police and crime commissioner David Jamieson claims wealthier, lower crime areas are getting a better deal.
Since 2010, the force has lost more than 2,000 officers while £175million has been taken from its budget.
Mr Jamieson says the force needs an extra £25.6million to avoid shrinking any further.
But he has been told the force will only be given £15.9million by the Home Office, representing a real-terms cut.
The government settlement is intended to assist with pension costs, pay increases and rising fuel costs.
Police forces will also be expected to increase council tax.
PCCs are currently able to increase it by £12 a year. They will next April be allowed to increase it by £24 for a Band D property.
West Midlands Police charges £128.55 for a Band D council tax payer.
Mr Jamieson said: “Despite warm words over the last few months, this is once again a disappointing settlement that falls a long way short of what West Midlands Police needed from the government.
“Government grants to West Midlands Police are falling in real terms and the government are piling the pressure on council taxpayers.
“About £25.6million is needed to cover extra pension costs, government-set pay increases and rising fuel costs this year.
“Crime is rising and we require a significant boost in police officer numbers to tackle the problem.
“This will disproportionately help the wealthier, low crime areas such as Surrey who have a much bigger ability to raise council tax than the West Midlands.”
Home secretary Sajid Javid said: “Since becoming Home Secretary I have been clear I would prioritise police funding, and today I have delivered on that promise.
“This is a significant funding settlement that provides the most substantial police funding increase since 2010, with more money for local police forces, counter terrorism and tackling serious and organised crime.
“It will enable the police to recruit more officers and be better placed to respond to the increasingly complex crimes they face.”
In 2018/19 West Midlands Police received £444.1 million from the government.
In 2019/20 the force is due to receive £460 million, says Mr Jamieson.
The PCC will begin a consultation on his budget and the potential council tax precept increases before Christmas.
