Lincolnshire police's new Chief Constable says getting greater funding is a key priority

Lincolnshire police's new Chief Constable says securing greater funding for the force is a key priority.

Paul Gibson is just a few days into the job but he's already outlining his priorities.

They include making the force as efficient as possible and building public confidence.

However he says securing greater Government funding is vital.

We have to make stark choices

The force has the lowest funding settlement proportionately in England and Wales.

Increased funding would mean he could address the issue of PCSO numbers which have reduced by almost half just before he came into post.

He says he values support officers but the financial situation remains difficult.

Mr Gibson told us: "We've taken quite a lot of PCSOs out of our organisation which I can't deny personally for me is a great shame."

"PSCOs provide a vital service - the fact is we have to make stark choices."

"What I want is a formula where we can fund going forward and have a long term kind of plan."

I will not shy away from pushing for a fair funding settlement

"We are by far the least funded force - even if we went to the next least funded force we would have many many more officers and staff we could invest in."

"I can't deny it's a challenge."

"I will not shy away from pushing for a fair funding settlement."

"We have gained funding this financial year over and above our settlement to the tune of around 3.8 million."

"The fact is what we need is sustainable positions so we can work on formula - be able to plan a long time ahead because that's where you build an organisation based on long term strategy."

"I can't give a definitive about funding at this stage and there's all sorts of things to balance."

We are working through policing requirements to make sure we're prepared at Scampton

"But from my perspective it's hugely important to advise the public around the decisions you're taking and why."

We also asked him about whether the force was ready for the challenge of housing asylum seekers if they come to Scampton.

He says: "We have a dedicated team at present and are working through all the kind of policing requirements you would imagine to make sure we are prepared."

"That involved obviously liaising and consulting with local residents but then starting to prepare for these people as and when they come into Scampton and become residents also."

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