EXTRA government funding for West Midlands Police after years of cuts is a welcome ‘first step’, says police and crime commissioner David Jamieson.
The government yesterday announced the funding settlement for police forces in 2020/21.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson came to power last year pledging to fund 20,000 more police officers nationally over years – the same figure removed under his Conservative party in power, including in coaltion with the Lib Dems. since 2010.
Crime in Coventry, Solihull and West MIdlands has been on the rise in the last two years after years of decline – including violent crime.
Labour PCC Mr Jamieson said yesterday: “Following initial analysis of the annual police funding announcement West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said:
“At last the government have recognised the damage they have done with ten years of cuts to policing. This must be the first step in addressing the chronic funding problems that still exist.
“I am pleased that after years of campaigning we have had some success in changing the government’s direction. There is much more for them to do though.”
“Since 2010 West Midlands Police have lost over 2,100 officers and faced real terms cuts of £175 million in government funding.
“Today’s announcement does not come close to unravelling a decade of underinvestment in police forces.
“Out of the government’s planned 20,000 uplift in officer numbers – based on today’s figures – West Midlands Police can expect around 1,200 officers, despite having lost nearly double that number.
“It should also be noted that whilst good quality policing is crucial to reducing crime, other services have a big role to play to. We need to see an increase in youth services if the government are serious about tackling the root causes of crime too.”