MP welcomes funding boost for Northumbria Police
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency, has welcomed extra funding for Northumbria Police, announced by the Home Secretary today.
Northumbria Police is set to receive an additional £18.6million in its funding next year, thanks to the Government’s increase to police budgets. Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced policing will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22 – an increase of £636 million on last year.
This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, delivering on the promise made by the Conservatives in last year’s General Election. Northumbria Police has already benefited from an additional 215 officers, one of the largest increases outside of the Metropolitan Police. Since November 2019, 12,675 new officers have joined forces across England and Wales.
The funding will be also be used to bolster counter-terrorism policing, including money for armed policing and more officers.
The Conservative Government has been determined to support the police throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as officers have worked tirelessly to keep communities safe. The Government has provided £30 million to help forces step up coronavirus enforcement and has reimbursed forces for all additional PPE purchased between March and July.
Speaking of the funding increase, Ms Trevelyan said:
“I have been in close contact with our local police force this year as they have been instrumental in helping to support our communities through this pandemic. I thank them for their hard work and professionalism. I am delighted Northumbria Police will receive an extra £18.6 million next year. It is important to me that we deliver on our promise to get more officers on our streets, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“We have asked more of the police than ever before during the coronavirus pandemic – the British people and I are extremely grateful for their dedication.
“I am absolutely committed to giving the police the resources they need – this funding package delivers on that.
“It will allow us to continue to put more police on the streets, and reduce crime as we build back safer from the pandemic.”
ENDS