Blackpool’s Conservative MPs have welcomed a significant boost for police funding across Lancashire.
Force level allocations for 2020/21 have been announced by Home Secretary Priti Patel and Policing Minister Kit Malthouse, with Lancashire set to benefit from an additional £22.6m, assuming the local precept is fully utilised.
The 7.3 per cent increase is accompanied by a recruitment target of 153 new officers for the financial year, part of a strategy to recruit 20,000 new police officers nationwide over the next three years.
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse recently visited Blackpool and Cleveleys where he spoke to local people and business owners about their concerns.
Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard made clear to him the need to ensure the investment put officers on the beat in our communities.
He said: “The additional funding and recruitment target are most welcome and demonstrate the Government’s commitment to fighting crime. I’ve made clear to Ministers the need for officers to be deployed in the heart of our communities, patrolling our streets, fighting crime and acting as a visible deterrent.
“This funding boost and these new officers will ensure our local police are able to do their jobs, we are giving our officers the resources they need to make a difference.”
Mr Maynard secured a commitment from the Policing Minister and from local commanders that officers would spend more time working from local bases.
He said: “I’m pleased to hear officers will be working out of places like Bispham and new bases in communities like Grange Park, meaning they are able to respond faster and better understand the needs of the areas they serve.
“I know this investment can make a real difference in Blackpool North and Cleveleys.”