Policing Budget Row Erupts In Leicestershire

A row has broken out in Leicestershire over police funding, with the force’s acting Chief Constable warning officer jobs could be lost unless council tax is increased further.

David Sandall says plans to raise the policing share of council tax by £11 a year for a Band D property are not enough to meet financial pressures.

Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall

He has warned the proposal could leave Leicestershire Police facing a £4.7m shortfall and potentially lead to the loss of up to 250 officers and staff, affecting public safety.

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews, the country’s only Reform UK PCC, is defending the proposed rise, which is below the £15 increase allowed under government rules.

He says he does not want to add more pressure to household budgets and believes additional funding should come from central government rather than local taxpayers.

Commissioner Rupert Matthews outside Market Harborough Police Station

Mr Sandall said he felt a duty to be open about the impact the decision could have. He said balancing financial constraints with the need to prevent harm and keep people safe would be a “huge undertaking”, and added he did not believe the proposed budget was the right decision for the public or the force.

Leicestershire Police Federation chair Andy Spence also criticised the plan, saying previous cuts and further savings would mean fewer officers and staff, less training and reduced support.

Mr Matthews said the maximum council tax increase was “not an entitlement” and he had not been persuaded it was essential to ask residents to pay more.

He said he remained confident the force could find savings and repeated calls for greater funding from Westminster.

The PCC’s budget proposals are due to be debated by the police and crime panel next week.