Overview

The Policing Resources Bill aims to ensure adequate funding for police forces in England and Wales. It mandates the Secretary of State to consider factors like police and crime plans and reports from an independent body when allocating funding, aiming to ensure resources are sufficient to prevent crime, pursue justice, maintain peace, and protect the community.

Description

This bill amends the Police Act 1996. Key changes include:

• Duty to Ensure Sufficient Resources: The Secretary of State is legally obligated to ensure police forces receive enough funding to prevent crime, pursue offenders, maintain peace, and protect the community.
• Factors for Funding Decisions: When deciding on funding, the Secretary of State must consider police and crime plans, reports from an independent body assessing funding adequacy (established by this bill), and the need for contingency funding for major incidents.
• Independent Review Body: The bill creates an independent body to annually review police funding, assessing its alignment with the objectives set out in the amended Police Act 1996, including considering funding for national security.

The bill applies only to England and Wales and will come into force two months after its passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify a set amount for increased government spending. Instead, it mandates a review process to determine adequate funding. The ultimate impact on government spending will depend on the recommendations of the independent review body and the Secretary of State's subsequent decisions.

Groups Affected

• Police Forces in England and Wales: Directly affected by the changes in funding allocation. The bill aims to secure sufficient resources for them.
• Police and Crime Commissioners: Their plans will directly influence funding decisions.
• The Public: Indirectly affected through changes in policing services resulting from altered funding levels.
• The Independent Review Body: This newly created body will play a crucial role in shaping future police funding.

Powered by nyModel