Norfolk Police Fed warns crimes will go unsolved - if drain on skilled workers continued
MP James Wild has written to the Government raising his concerns and demanding more resources for the force
The head of Norfolk's Police Federation is warning that fewer crimes could be solved in the future - if more money's not set aside to help retain experience and skilled frontline staff.
The county's constabulary faces a £4 million funding 'blackhole', despite an increase of nearly £13 million in funding, due to additional costs to cover pay rises, National Insurance and pension costs.
"There is a human impact to these cuts"
Andy Symonds represents 2,000 officers in Norfolk: "At the moment it feels like we are just treading water, and sometimes going under the surface.
"There is a human impact to these cuts, it's not just that there's one or two less staff.
"My members are struggling, mentally and physically, to continue their really good service.
"I think that will have a greater impact on them, moving forwards, which I don't want to happen.
"I also don't want to see our communities suffer either."
The latest on this:
Norfolk Police is to receive £235m in 2025 – an increase of £12.8m.
Paul Sanford, chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary said “I will of course do my upmost to minimise the impact of these cuts on frontline services,” in a letter to North West Norfolk MP James Wild.
“I will prioritise our response to calls for service, investigating crime well and relentlessly pursuing the most problematic offenders.
“However, my ability to do that is limited, and there will inevitably be an operational impact as a result of this settlement.”
This follows a positive year for Norfolk Police, which has one of the highest charging rates in the country. Nearly half of shoplifting cases are resolved in the county, and crime has decreased by 11pc.
Conservative MP Mr Wild has written to home secretary Yvette Cooper, raising his concerns about the funding gap and demanding more resources for the force.
He said: “Norfolk Police have delivered impressive results in reducing crime and solving cases, but this funding settlement does not reflect the realities faced by rural forces.
“If the government is serious about fighting crime then it must ensure Norfolk has the resources needed to continue its success in keeping people safe.”
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary said it is developing plans to address the funding shortfall and details of this will be released shortly.
She added: “When undertaking this work, our priority will be to maintain core services such as answering calls for service and investigating crime well.”
What has the Government said on this?
The Government says over half a billion of extra funding is going towards increasing neighbourhood policing and supporting their 'Safer Streets' Mission.