Priti calls for investment in Essex Police
Witham MP Priti Patel has called upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary to support frontline investment in Essex Police as part of the forthcoming Budget. Working with Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, Priti has urged the Government to highlight the need to support plans to invest in more frontline police officers in the County. This year the Commissioner has funded an additional 150 police officers but with close to £4 million of potential pressures next year caused by possible increases in pension costs Priti has called upon the Government to provide investment to ensure the frontline can be protected and police numbers can be increased further. Priti said:
“The increase in frontline police numbers this year has been widely welcomed and will make a difference to tackling crime in the County. However, future plans to invest in frontline policing could be compromised by increased pension cost pressures. The Government can address this issue and I am calling on the Chancellor and Home Secretary to do this.”
“Essex has been underfunded due to an outdated historic funding formula. Despite this, the Police Commissioner has made efficiencies and invested in the frontline this year. The efficiencies made by Essex Police should be welcomes by Government by supporting the very officers who help make our communities safer, support victims and bring criminals to justice.”