August 30, 2019 10.12 am This story is over 63 months old

Lincolnshire PCC takes fight for funding to Boris Johnson

Lincolnshire Police need around £15m, according to the PCC

Funding for Lincolnshire’s police force is “still a concern” and around £15 million is needed to provide an outstanding service, says the county’s police and crime commissioner.

Marc Jones said he was “pushing for the changes” to tackle the funding gap, which stands at around £6.5 million for next year.

He added that he will be making the case for more resources to Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a meeting next week.

Some £1.8 million of funding has already been secured by the force, as well as £340,000 of savings and an increase in the council tax precept.

But Mr Jones said he intends to make sure the Prime Minister “understands Lincolnshire’s position” and that it was still the case that the force needs an extra £10 – £15 million to provide an “outstanding” service.

He added that while more officers would be welcomed, other services around the force needed to be looked at.

“Funding as a general base is still a concern, I have a meeting in Number 10 next week to discuss that specifically,” he said.

“The mood nationally has changed, we’re talking about an officer uplift across the country which Lincolnshire will also benefit from.

“But that’s very much about officers on the ground which we welcome, but all of the other services around that we need to get right too.

“I will be taking that conversation to Number 10 next week.”

Mr Jones added that he was confident that the force would be “enhanced by the efforts” he is making.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister announced a recruitment drive for police officers at forces across the country.

Mr Johnson pledged 20,000 new officers over the next three years.

Bill Skelly, Lincolnshire Police’s Chief Constable, said the move would not be possible due to degree training requirements.

The force is currently challenging a move by the College of Policing to introduce plans for officers to obtain a degree.

Mr Jones said £20,000 has been set aside for the early stages of a judicial review process.

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