Budget failed to address police funding, says Fed chair

31 October 2018

The Chancellor of the Exchequer missed an opportunity to directly address the multitude of problems facing the police service when he failed to announce a re-investment in front-line policing in this week’s budget, according to the national Federation chair.

John Apter welcomed Philip Hammond’s £160 million investment in counter terrorism but said neighbourhood policing, response, CID and other key front-line policing roles had been ignored.

“We welcome the investment in counter terrorism capability but given the threat level this country is facing it is a necessity dressed up a gift. And (it is) the very minimum which is required with more than 700 live counter terrorism investigations,” said John.

“What about my colleagues who work on neighbourhood policing teams, the response officers who answer the public’s 999 calls and the CID investigators securing convictions of those who terrorise our societies? There was nothing for them.

“I am angry and disappointed, but I can’t say I am shocked. This level of disdain is what has come to symbolise this Government.”

The national chair also accused the Chancellor of prioritising pot holes over police officers highlighting the counter terrorism funding was still less than half the £420 million the Government had set aside for repairs to the roads network.

The budget came less than a week after the Home Affairs Select Committee published a damning report into the state of policing and criticised the Home Office management of the police service.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid is expected to make an announcement on the Police Funding Settlement for the next financial year in December.

The Prime Minister, Mr Javid and police minister Nick Hurd have all previously suggested that the issue of police spending will be addressed in the Comprehensive Spending Review which is expected to take place in spring next year.