Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, in the Commons called on the Government to give rural areas a better deal in police funding. During a debate on this year’s Police Grant Settlement, Christopher Fraser stressed that Norfolk Constabulary operates in a demanding environment, needing to combine policing in vast rural areas, as well as deprived towns with a history of anti-social behaviour.
Christopher Fraser questioned the Minister on why specific grants, such as the Rural Policing Fund and the Crime Fighting Fund, have not been increased along with the rate of inflation over several years. He also highlighted funding gaps in Protective Services provision for Norfolk – which covers major investigations, serious crime, emergency incidents and organised crime. Currently, Norfolk Constabulary predicts gaps in Protective Services provision which amount to £5 million.
Speaking after the debate, Christopher Fraser said: “I was keen to speak in today’s debate in order to ensure that the Minister fully understands Norfolk’s particular circumstances. Our Constabulary does an outstanding job, but I know the Police are frustrated by a tight financial settlement. As a result, Norfolk Police Authority has been forced reluctantly to increase the amount of Council Tax imposed on the county to make up for these funding shortfalls.
I was most concerned to learn that grants such as the Rural Policing Fund, vital in maintaining the force’s capabilities, have not been increased for several years. This actually amounts to a grant reduction in real terms. Crime in rural areas is a real and pressing problem. Constituents have written to me about the rise in anti-social behaviour, petty theft, increased drug use and drug-related crime, and traffic speeding through remote villages. Unlike in urban areas, local residents can sometimes go for days or weeks without seeing a police officer.
The Minister told me that he would be happy to meet Norfolk Constabulary to discuss some of their specific concerns. I will be contacting him to arrange a meeting. In the meantime, I urge the Government to address these funding shortfalls proactively, so that Police and the public take seriously its commitment to ensure our Police Service is in the best possible shape to meet the heavy demands placed upon it. Ultimately, we need more police on our streets.”
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