£8 million boost to police force

An additional £8 million in funding will be given to Sussex Police.

The move comes as part of a £270 million boost to forces from around the country and to counter-terrorism policing.

The Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who is the MP for Hastings & Rye, said: “Whether it is your local forces, the national picture or counter terrorism capabilities, this is a strong settlement that ensures forces have the resources they need to keep us safe.

“Taxpayers will invest more money in forces because the work our officers do to protect us is absolutely vital, and we recognise demand is changing.

“However, my message to police forces is that this increased investment must mean we raise the pace of reform.

“For too long embracing digital and increasing productivity have been tomorrow’s policing problems – now they are today’s necessities.

“The Government is committed to meeting this challenge and we want policing to do the same.”

The ‘boost’ to policing is dependent upon Police and Crime Commissioners raising the precept by the maximum permissible amount now that the cap has been lifted to £12 average for a Band D household.

Responding to the Home Secretary’s announcement, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, said: “I have been lobbying hard for the best possible funding arrangements for policing, and today’s announcement by the Home Secretary to lift the precept cap is exactly what I have been pushing for.

“I welcome the Government’s provisional grant settlement for policing which provides additional money for counter terrorism and national policing priorities, as well as transformational projects.

“As part of the consultation process that informs our financial planning, I am currently asking residents if they would be prepared to pay more per household for Sussex Police through an increase in the precept. Their views and the needs of Sussex Police will be taken into consideration early in the New Year when I make my decision.”

To take part in the precept consultation click here

The consultation is open until 5th January 2018

By Clare Calder