Thames Valley Police says it will be nearly £9m worse off than anticipated following the Government police funding settlement.
Thames Valley Police says it will be nearly £9m worse off than expected after the Government’s police funding settlement, a hit that is likely to force delays or cancellations to future spending plans.
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mathew Barber warned the force’s core funding will be £8.8m less than anticipated, “barely covering the costs of inflation and pay increases”.
“This settlement is terrible news for Thames Valley Police,” he said.
“While the Government push headlines claiming they are investing more in policing, the harsh reality is that the settlement means nearly £9m less than we were expecting.”
Barber said the force will protect frontline services despite the squeeze, but added the gap in funding will make balancing next year’s budget difficult.
“I have already met with the chief constable and will be working over the Christmas period to consider how we can still set the budget in the New Year which will continue to prioritise the protection of frontline services.”
He described the Government’s handling of the process as “appalling”, saying it leaves forces struggling and contradicts the Government’s own Comprehensive Spending Review. He also called for a review of the police funding formula.
Barber said Thames Valley’s “sound financial planning” leaves it in a stronger position than some forces and that he is confident plans can be amended to maintain frontline policing — but warned the Home Office cuts will have long-term impact unless the Government changes course.
The Government has announced it will abolish the PCC roles in May 2028, transferring their powers to elected mayors.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
