Dame Caroline Spelman MP has welcomed today’s news of a substantial £450 million increase in police funding across England and Wales.
This includes up to an additional £270 million in police force budgets, so individual forces have the resources they need to respond to changes in demand. Police funding in the West Midlands could increase by up to £9.5 million in 2018/19 as a result of these changes.
The Meriden MP has also welcomed news that the counter terrorism policing budget will rise by 7 per cent, with a £50 million increase taking it to at least £757 million, and £130 million extra for national policing priorities. This means the Government is now spending more on counter terrorism policing than ever before.
Commenting, Dame Caroline said:“This summer we have witnessed how recent criminal incidents and an increased terrorist threat have tested the resilience of community policing.
“Whilst the decision to necessitate the redeployment of Police from rural to urban areas has kept busy public spaces safe, it has made suburban and rural communities more vulnerable to crimes such as burglary, car crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Having raised our case with the Minister in Parliament, individually and together with other cross party West Midlands MPs, I welcome this rise in local police funding for next year. In light of this announcement I would urge the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that this money is well spent to ensure sufficient protection for the people of Solihull Borough”.