Thames Valley’s police and crime commissioner, PCC Matthew Barber, has slammed the Home Office for not properly funding policing for events now being held at Windsor Castle while Buckingham Palace is refurbished.
He says President Trump’s visit last year cost the force £900,000 – a bill Thames Valley cannot reclaim.
Mr Barber has written to the Home Secretary calling the funding arrangements for these events of national significance “flawed”. “Thames Valley Police has a proud history of policing moments of national importance, including royal weddings and the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” he said.
The Home Office will pay extra costs like hire of equipment, Mr Barber adds, but will not cover the actual cost of officer time for the hosting force. Officers who come from other forces can have their time reclaimed by their own forces – but Thames Valley is not being allowed to do the same.
That leaves local council tax payers covering the unpaid officer time and draws officers away from everyday policing. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police still receives a share of more than £250m in capital cities grants to help handle the extra burden of large-scale events.
The Home Office has been approached for comment.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
