Policing Minister responds to Lancashire PCC on funding formula reform

Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse MP, has responded to Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, letter to government to raise the issue of how Lancashire Constabulary was funded and to seek a balanced and transparent review of the police funding formula.

Andrew brought together elected representatives from both main parties to set aside political divisions and counter sign his letter to let the Home Office know about the importance of a fair funding formula which would take into account issues such as deprivation, crime levels and the ability of Police and Crime Commissioners to generate income through local council taxation.

In his letter, Kit Malthouse MP has stated that the review of police funding formula will consider all aspects of the funding formula and will consider an evidence based assessment of drivers of the risk of crime and demand on policing.

The Policing Minister went on to say that the government welcomes Lancashire’s engagement and support of the review and is committed to maintaining an open and transparent process to arrive at a fairer funding model.

Commenting, Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, said “I welcome this commitment from the government for an open and transparent review of the police funding formula.

“As Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to getting the best deal for Lancashire and making sure that the government hears our calls for a funding settlement which reflects Lancashire’s unique situation.

“I am pleased that many of Lancashire’s MPs were able to come together on this important issue to let the government know the strength of feeling on both sides of the political divide. It is important that Lancashire’s elected representatives are on the same page when it comes to getting the best financial settlement from the government.

“I am committed to working constructively with the government to drive down crime and focus on delivering an increase in the number of officers which Lancashire has been given from the government’s uplift of 20,000 new police officers in England and Wales.