Leicestershire’s civilian police chief slams Government’s plans to cut the number of extra police officers being recruited

But South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa welcomed an additional £11 million being provided to Leicestershire Police next year
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Leicestershire’s civilian police chief has slammed the Government’s plans to cut the number of extra police officers being recruited.

Lord Willy Bach, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, hit out as he reacted to the Provisional Police Grant Report made by Kit Malthouse, Minister of State for Crime and Policing.

"After a decade of damaging police cuts, it is still not immediately clear if the Government is taking the challenges facing policing and public safety seriously enough.

Leicestershire’s civilian police chief has slammed the Government’s plans to cut the number of extra police officers being recruited.Leicestershire’s civilian police chief has slammed the Government’s plans to cut the number of extra police officers being recruited.
Leicestershire’s civilian police chief has slammed the Government’s plans to cut the number of extra police officers being recruited.

“We have already seen a retreat on an earlier promise to recruit an extra 8,000 officers nationally in the next financial year.

“This figure has now been reduced by 2,000 officers for 2021-22 which will inevitably have an impact here in Leicestershire,” said Lord Bach, a former mayor of Lutterworth and Harborough district councillor.

“While we still have work through the detail of this statement, it is clear that we will be asked to deliver efficiency savings and that the Government expects local council taxpayers to pay more towards policing.

“We still have fewer police officers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland than we had a decade ago.

“Since that time, the population has grown by 10 per cent.

“The police cannot do more with less and it is disappointing, but crime has risen as a result.

"We are facing difficult decisions in the coming weeks, but the safety of our communities has to be the priority for all of us."

But South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa welcomed an additional £11 million being provided to Leicestershire Police next year.

Alberto said the force has already recruited an extra 89 officers since December last year.

“Officers and staff at Leicestershire Police have been instrumental in keeping our communities safe this year.

“I am delighted that our local police will receive this very welcome boost to their funding which will allow them to continue their excellent work.

“The Government has been very clear on its promise to get more officers onto the streets and to ensure that the police have all they need to keep us safe,” said the MP.

“I am proud to see them delivering on this promise.”