Overview

The Policing Resources Bill aims to ensure sufficient funding for police forces in England and Wales. It amends the Police Act 1996 to mandate that the Secretary of State considers specific factors when allocating grants, and establishes an independent body to annually review the adequacy of police funding.

Description

This bill makes key changes to how police forces in England and Wales receive funding. It introduces several amendments to the Police Act 1996, specifically section 46 (police grant):

Amendments to Police Act 1996 Section 46:

• A new duty is placed on the Secretary of State to ensure grant recipients have enough resources to prevent crime, pursue justice, maintain the peace, and protect the community.
• The Secretary of State must now consider several factors when determining grant amounts, including: police and crime plans, reports from an independent body evaluating funding adequacy, and the need for contingency funding for major incidents.

The bill also creates an independent body to review and report annually on the adequacy of police grants. This body's reviews will consider compliance with the amended section 46 and the sufficiency of funding for national security.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify increased government spending. Instead, it aims to ensure that existing funding is allocated more effectively and that future funding adequately meets the needs of police forces. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Police Forces in England and Wales: Directly affected by the changes in grant allocation and the new accountability mechanisms.
• Police and Crime Commissioners: Their plans will directly influence grant allocation decisions.
• The Secretary of State: Takes on a new duty to ensure sufficient funding and must consider additional factors in allocation.
• The Independent Body: Will be responsible for reviewing and reporting on the adequacy of police funding.
• The Public: Potentially benefits from improved police services resulting from more effective resource allocation.

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