Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson has welcomed news that West Midlands Police is set to receive an additional £35.9 million in funding next year.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced police budgets will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22, an increase of £636 million on the previous year’s funding.
This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, delivering on the promise made by the Conservative Party in the 2019 General Election. The West Midlands has already benefitted from an additional 292 officers.
The funding will also be used to bolster counter-terrorism policing, including money for armed policing and more officers.
The Government has been determined to support the police throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as officers have worked tirelessly to keep communities safe. An additional £30 million has been provided to help police forces step up coronavirus enforcement, and the Government has reimbursed forces for all additional PPE purchased between March and July.
Jane said: “Officers and staff at West Midlands Police have been instrumental in keeping our community safe this year, and I pay tribute to them for their hard work and professionalism.
“Despite the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner pushing ahead with his plans to close Wednesfield Police Station, I’m delighted to see our local police force is getting an extra £35.9 million next year.
“I was proud to be elected last year on a promise to get more officers onto our streets and to ensure they have what they need to keep us safe. The Government is now doing exactly that, ensuring we build back safer as we recover from coronavirus.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel MP said: “We have asked more of the police than ever before during the coronavirus pandemic – the British people and I are extremely grateful for their dedication.
“I am absolutely committed to giving the police the resources they need – this funding package delivers on that.
“It will allow us to continue to put more police on the streets, and reduce crime as we build back safer from the pandemic.”
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