Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed news that Hampshire Constabulary will receive an extra £26.1million to tackle crime and keep our streets safe – an increase of 7.7% from last year.
The Conservatives have announced an increase of up to £1.1 billion for police forces throughout England and Wales, to ensure our police can focus on keeping communities safe.
It comes on top of the Conservatives’ plan to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers, along with ensuring they have more powers and better kit. Hampshire Constabulary is already set to receive an additional 156 officers this year, with more to come in the future.
As a result, overall police funding is set to increase by the biggest amount in a decade. This will see more money available to recruit, train and equip police officers, as well as investment in national priorities like tackling serious and organised crime, and our counter-terrorism capabilities.
Caroline has urged Labour MPs to vote in favour of this much-needed funding settlement when it comes before Parliament. The Labour Party voted against a similar settlement for the police last year, which would have denied forces an additional £970 million.
Commenting, Caroline said:
“I am delighted that police funding in Hampshire Constabulary could increase by up to £26.1million next year.
It’s vitally important that my constituents feel safe on our streets. It’s good that the Conservative Government heard the concerns of the public and are looking to provide better protection for residents.
These extra Hampshire officers will improve our local police presence and drive down crime. I look forward to seeing them in Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“This Government is delivering on the people’s priorities by giving policing the biggest funding increase in a decade.
“It will mean more officers tackling the crime blighting our streets, so people can feel safe in their communities.
“The police must now make full use of this significant investment to deliver for the public.”
