Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Accepted
The Department based the allocation of the 20,000 additional officers between police forces on the...
Recommendation
The Department based the allocation of the 20,000 additional officers between police forces on the long-outdated Police Allocation Formula.41 Our predecessor Committee noted that this formula was obsolete and in 2018 recommended that “The Department must urgently commit to reviewing the funding formula, and after consultation, deploy a new funding formula as soon as practicable”.42 The Department has yet to do so, although it is currently working on a replacement, which it expects to be in place before the next general election.43
Government Response Summary
The government agreed to revise the police funding formula, aiming for completion before the next General Election, and assured well-planned transition arrangements and a full public consultation.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4. PAC conclusion: We are concerned that the distribution of new officers may not give police forces what they need to respond to the demands they face. 4. PAC recommendation: The Department should set out, as part of its Treasury Minute response, by when it will revise the funding formula and how it will support forces in transitioning to their funding allocation under the new approach 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2022 4.2 The government has acknowledged that the current funding formula is out of date and has publicly committed to reviewing the formula before the next General Election. The technical phase of the Police Funding Formula Review, which will deliver proposals for new funding arrangements, is well underway. This includes engagement with policing sector representatives and relevant experts, who have provided advice on the development of a new formula. 4.3 The government has given assurances that any changes to funding arrangements will be well planned, with effective transition arrangements to allow sound financial management by Police and Crime Commissioners, or their equivalents, and Chief Constables. 4.4 A full public consultation will take place before any new funding arrangements are implemented. Timelines for consultation and implementation are subject to confirmation by Ministers, with consideration of wider priorities and the availability of Census 2021 data to inform a new formula.