Overview

This bill aims to ensure adequate funding for police forces in England and Wales. It mandates the Secretary of State to consider various factors when allocating funds, including police and crime plans and reports from an independent body assessing funding adequacy. The bill also establishes an independent body to annually review police grant funding.

Description

The Policing Resources 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 criminals, maintain peace, and protect the community.
• Funding Considerations: When deciding on funding allocations, the Secretary of State must consider police and crime plans, reports from an independent body assessing funding adequacy (established by the 2017 Policing Resources Act), and the need for contingency funding for major incidents.
• Independent Review Body: The bill establishes an independent body to annually review and report on the adequacy of police grants, considering alignment with the new duty and the sufficiency of funding for national security.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify an increase or decrease in government spending. Instead, it mandates a more robust process for allocating existing funds and ensuring they meet the needs of police forces. The actual effect on government spending will depend on the recommendations of the independent review body and subsequent decisions by the Secretary of State.

Groups Affected

• Police Forces in England and Wales: Potentially impacted by changes in funding levels based on the independent review and the Secretary of State’s decisions.
• Police and Crime Commissioners: Their plans will directly influence funding allocations.
• The Public: Will indirectly experience the effects through changes in policing levels and services.
• The Independent Review Body: This newly established body will be responsible for assessing funding adequacy and reporting to the government.

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