The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has today welcomed a further boost in funding for local police services across the Eastleigh area following its announcement in the Commons Chamber by the Policing Minister, Nick Hurd.
The substantial increase in funding for the police system – the largest increase since 2010 - will enable forces – such as Hampshire - to continue recruiting, fill crucial capability gaps, meet genuine pressures, drive through efficiency programmes, and improve their effectiveness by preventing crime and delivering better outcomes for victims of crime.
Commenting, Eastleigh MP Mims Davies said:
“Over the past year, I have received a growing amount of correspondence from my constituents over policing across my Eastleigh constituency, across Hampshire and across the country. The majority of those that have written understand that efficiencies have been necessary, and that the face of policing is changing, however, it is clear that they want to see more police visibility.
“That is why, last month, I wrote to the Home Secretary and asked that he consider allowing Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to put the question of whether local people would be willing for the police precept to be increased, if that resulted in ‘more bobbies on the beat’ in our local area.
“The announcement by the Policing Minister today means our PCC, Michael Lane, will be able to do exactly that with the ability to increase local precepts by the maximum of £24 for a Band D property (up from £12 in 2017-18), raising an increase in police funding for Hampshire of up to £25 million in 2019/20 when combined together with an increase in the General Government Grant and Pensions Grant.
“I am sure that our local PCC for Hampshire, Michael Lane, will give this opportunity proper consideration, and should he decide to raise the precept, ensure that the money raised is used to support frontline policing, a key priority for my constituents and I am sure also for him.”
Within her letter to the Home Secretary last month, the Eastleigh MP also highlighted the importance of the Solent and waters surrounding the Hampshire coastline to the economy and security, saying it was vital that those patrolling those waters have the resources required to do the job properly, including tackling drugs and people trafficking.