Shadow Home Secretary questions Government on police force finances
12 September 2018 (updated on 12 September 2018)
On 14 September, Shadow Home Secretary, Diane Abbott, asked an urgent question in the House of Commons on the financial stability of police forces in England and Wales following a report from the National Audit Office.
The report concludes, "The Home Office's light touch approach to overseeing police forces means it does not know if the police system is financially sustainable. It lacks a long-term plan for policing and significant gaps remain in its understanding of demand for police services and their costs."
Commenting on the report, the Shadow Home Secretary said, "most damning of all, the National Audit Office says it has found early indicators that the police are “struggling”—that is the NAO's word—to deliver an effective service".
Responding for the Government, Policing Minister Nick Hurd told the House, "the Home Secretary has made it very clear that police funding is a priority for him, and we are working closely with the police in preparing for the comprehensive spending review".
- Watch Parliament TV: Financial stability of police forces in England and Wales
- Read Commons Hansard: Financial sustainability of police
- Read National Audit Office report - Financial stability of police forces in England and Wales [external link - pdf]
Image: PA
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