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20/10/2004
Police authorities lobby MPs over 'funding shortfall'
Police authorities across England and Wales are on the campaign trail following concerns that a projected £350 million funding shortfall will seriously impact on services.
Representatives of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) and the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Ian Blair, joined with other police authorities in Westminster yesterday to voice their concerns.
Funding existing services, and meeting these added pressures, means that police authorities need at least a 5.5% increase from the Home Office, they said. However, authorities believe that funding may only increase by 3% for 2005/06 – and a cap on council tax rises to low single figures would leave a £350 million shortfall.
In private meetings taking place in parliament, over 100 MPs were told how pressure on budgets will combine next year with an edict from Whitehall to keep council tax levels to a minimum, causing a squeeze in funding that will threaten frontline police services.
Len Duvall, MPA chairman, said: "Central funding has fallen short of what we needed in previous years, but we have been able to make up the difference from local council tax.
"We can't continue to do this, because the public are getting fed up of rising council tax, and the government are threatening to cap increases. This means that without at least 5.5% funding from the government, cuts in police services may have to be made."
MPA members also met with London MPs to set out how the funding crises could hit police services across the capital.
All police authorities will have to find extra cash to meet new statutory and policy responsibilities; implement the government's police reform agenda; for pay inflation; forensic, IT and technological developments; and to fund a 12% rise in the cost of pensions as a result of mass officer recruitment in the 1970s.
(gmcg)
Representatives of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) and the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Ian Blair, joined with other police authorities in Westminster yesterday to voice their concerns.
Funding existing services, and meeting these added pressures, means that police authorities need at least a 5.5% increase from the Home Office, they said. However, authorities believe that funding may only increase by 3% for 2005/06 – and a cap on council tax rises to low single figures would leave a £350 million shortfall.
In private meetings taking place in parliament, over 100 MPs were told how pressure on budgets will combine next year with an edict from Whitehall to keep council tax levels to a minimum, causing a squeeze in funding that will threaten frontline police services.
Len Duvall, MPA chairman, said: "Central funding has fallen short of what we needed in previous years, but we have been able to make up the difference from local council tax.
"We can't continue to do this, because the public are getting fed up of rising council tax, and the government are threatening to cap increases. This means that without at least 5.5% funding from the government, cuts in police services may have to be made."
MPA members also met with London MPs to set out how the funding crises could hit police services across the capital.
All police authorities will have to find extra cash to meet new statutory and policy responsibilities; implement the government's police reform agenda; for pay inflation; forensic, IT and technological developments; and to fund a 12% rise in the cost of pensions as a result of mass officer recruitment in the 1970s.
(gmcg)
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22 May 2013
Hampshire Police To Sell Unused £11m Headquarters
An £11 million police headquarters, which has never been used in the five years since it was built, is to be sold. Alpha Park will be sold by Hampshire constabulary as it cannot afford to develop the site, the Guardian has reported. The site in Eastleigh was bought for £9.6m in 2008 and the force has since spent £1.
Hampshire Police To Sell Unused £11m Headquarters
An £11 million police headquarters, which has never been used in the five years since it was built, is to be sold. Alpha Park will be sold by Hampshire constabulary as it cannot afford to develop the site, the Guardian has reported. The site in Eastleigh was bought for £9.6m in 2008 and the force has since spent £1.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
29 August 2014
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
07 May 2014
'Skull Cracker' In Custody In London
Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, 55, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.
'Skull Cracker' In Custody In London
Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, 55, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
