Police funding settlement announced
Police authorities in England and Wales were today told how much cash they will be given by central government.
In a ,minister Nick Herbert set out a new four-year settlement of government funding for the police - broken down by police authority - to help forces plan their budgets more effectively.
The amounts allocated follow the October , which set out a reduction to police funding of 20 per cent by 2014-15, or 14 per cent聽once council tax precepts are taken into account.
This percentage is calculated in 鈥榬eal terms鈥� which means it has been adjusted for changes in purchasing power over time.
Challenging reductions
Nick Herbert said:聽鈥橳hese reductions will be challenging but the government is clear that forces can make the necessary savings while protecting the frontline and prioritising the visibility and availability of policing.
鈥楾he government will play its part by reducing bureaucracy, driving more efficient procurement, and working with forces to ensure that the savings of over 拢1 billion a year identified by Her Majesty鈥檚 Inspectorate of Constabulary are delivered.鈥�
Neighbourhood police
Cash for neighbourhood policing - which sees specialist teams working directly with residents to tackle crime - is allocated separately.
In 2011-12 funds of 拢340m will be made available, with 拢338m the year after.
Around 90 per cent of this money will go towards police community support officers and this will contribute up to 75 per cent of salary costs.
The remaining quarter of salaries will be funded by the police, councils, businesses and other organisations.
Security budget
The counter terrorism budget has been prioritised, with 拢567m allocated for 2011/12.
In addition,聽拢600m will be made available for safety and security during the London Olympics in 2012. However, the government is confident it can deliver this for around 拢475m.