Crime commissioner says Lancashire’s ‘voice will be heard’ as MPs lobby for police funding review

A group of Lancashire MPs have joined the Police and Crime Commissioner to urge the government to review police funding.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden has written to the government calling for a balanced and transparent review of the police funding formula, with cross-party backing from Lancashire MPs.

In a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Mr Snowden and eight MPs from across the county highlighted the need for a formula reform. The formula helps determine the funding available to police forces, ensuring that it takes crime levels, efficiency and socio-economic factors into account.

A 2015 reform attempt failed, and many said the process was rushed and did not listen to stakeholder views in police forces nationwide.

Andrew said: “I’m delighted to be joined by Members of Parliament from across the political divide, in calling for a fair, transparent review into how funding is decided for policing across the country.

“The police funding formula needs to be reviewed to ensure fairness and to consider issues such as demand on the service, crime levels and economic factors.

“Building relationships with government and working constructively wherever possible with Westminster is extremely important to ensure we get the best possible deal for policing.”

Andrew has welcomed the uplift of 20,000 new police officers nationwide. He has also helped secure over £2.5m in funding to tackle domestic abuse and support survivors.

He said: “You can be sure that I will make sure Lancashire’s voice is heard. Working with the government has led to my office securing over £2.5m in extra funding to help tackle domestic abuse and support victims of crime in Lancashire.

“Lancashire is benefiting from the government’s 20,000-officer uplift, and this is helping to make sure our streets are safe. I am committed to cracking down on crime and will continue to work with partners across Lancashire to lead the fight against crime and tackle the issues that matter to people, such as anti-social behaviour and getting tough on reoffending.”

The government said they are holding a review of the formula ahead of the next general election.

Andrew said he is keen to ensure the process is transparent and highlighted the need to deliver the best possible policing service in Lancashire.

As well as the MPs who co-signed the letter, Lancashire MPs who sit on the government frontbench but cannot sign the letter due to the Ministerial Code have indicated their support for a fair and transparent review and will work with the commissioner to raise the issue in government.

The MPs, who have co-signed the letter, are Scott Benton MP, Jake Berry MP, Rosie Cooper MP, Mark Hendrick MP, Antony Higginbotham MP, Kate Hollern MP, Paul Maynard MP, and Cat Smith MP.

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