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Staffordshire Police chiefs welcome extra frontline funding

Police chiefs in Staffordshire have welcomed a crucial increase in funding from the Government – but insist the force still faces huge pressures on resources.

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Minister have announced a much-needed £970 million funding increase for stretched forces across the country.

Chiefs in Staffordshire have been among the most vocal about the need for more funding due to the strain placed on it by persistent budget cuts.

The boost has been welcomed by Staffordshire Police leaders but they say resources are still ‘exceptionally tight’.

The county force has lost around 2,000 officers since 2010 and Chief Constable Gareth Morgan has said cuts have gone far enough.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis said: “This settlement for policing is the result of significant lobbying by Commissioners, parliamentary colleagues in Staffordshire and police services.

“This wasn’t expected even three months ago and it is welcomed.

“While helpful, the pressures on policing through increasing demand, the changing nature of crime and the wider security implications police have to deal with, means finances and resources are still exceptionally tight.

“It is absolutely vital the most local policing, which is precious to communities, continues to be supported and in Staffordshire, we build on the extra officers I promised last year, that are now being recruited.

“Plans are progressing well to make significant savings and pragmatic improvements in the new close partnership between the fire and rescue service and police.

"This will help services meet the necessary demands of the future. Although it’s not going to be easy.”

Chief Constable Mr Morgan said: "Staffordshire Police has worked hard to transform how we operate and has delivered significant savings and efficiencies over the past few years.

"However, like other forces, we continue to face rising and increasingly complex demand and against this backdrop we welcome today's announcement of additional funding for policing through the police grant.

"Increased flexibility through the council tax precept is also good news and I hope that the Staffordshire Commissioner will take the opportunity to maximise the investment available to support the delivery of the Policing Plan priorities and address the issues which matter most to local communities, following a period of public consultation."