'Deeply Disappointing' Lack Of Investment Jeopardises Policing

13 June 2025

The Government’s lack of investment in policing will jeopardise the service’s long-term ambitions to tackle violent crime and boost neighbourhood policing.

That is the view of Avon and Somerset Police Federation Chair Tom Gent, who was speaking following this week’s Spending Review.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in Parliament on Wednesday that policing will be given an extra 2.3% funding in real terms each year over the next three years.

But Tom said he was deeply disappointed with the announcement, which meant forces would have to make “very difficult choices” about where to make cuts.  

Policing has been struggling with huge cuts to funding for more than a decade, and Tom said Wednesday’s announcement would not help the service balance the books.

He explained: “I feel compelled to express my deep disappointment following the announcement on police funding.

“Despite ongoing promises to support frontline services and improve public safety, the outcomes of this review fall significantly short of what is required to meet the growing challenges our communities face.

“Policing in Avon and Somerset is under intense pressure. Rising demand, increasingly complex crime, and the continued expectation to do more with less are simply not sustainable without meaningful financial support. 

“Here in Avon and Somerset the force is good at managing its finances, even then I have no doubt the Chief Officers will have some very difficult choices to make in the years ahead about where they will need to make cuts.

“The lack of sufficient investment jeopardises our long-term ambitions – such as halving violence against women and girls, as well as boosting neighbourhood policing. 

“Simply piling more pressure on our already overstretched front line will only result in further increases in the record number of officers leaving to pursue careers elsewhere.

“We are proud of our police force and the dedication of those who serve within it. But pride alone cannot fund the tools, training, and personnel needed to deliver the service that our communities deserve.”