Chief warns police could spend more time in office

A chief constable has warned his officers could end up spending more time in the office, following a government funding announcement.

Norfolk Constabulary is set to receive £235m in 2025 – an increase of £12.8m on the previous year, but Paul Sanford said most of the extra money would be lost to additional costs.

He said he expected to cut back civilian staff to make savings, meaning their work would have to be taken up by police officers.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the funding provided to forces in England and Wales was a "substantial increase".

She added it was "a vital funding boost" that would allow more officers to be recruited.

Mr Sanford said while the money would allow him to hire "a few more police officers", the bulk of the increase would be spent on increased National Insurance and pension costs, as well as staff pay rises.

He warned he would still need to find savings of up to £4m, which would likely lead to cuts in civilian workers at the constabulary.

"There's a good chance that more police officers will find themselves doing office-based duties," he said.

"It certainly doesn't help what we're trying to achieve. More than anyone in this county, I want more officers out on the streets solving local and community problems."

Mr Sanford, who also represents the National Police Chiefs Council, said he had been in talks with the government over funding for "a number of months", but he did "recognise the significant pressures on the public purse".

Cooper said: "We recognise the financial and operational challenges that police forces across the country have faced in recent years, and that is why we are providing a significant and much-needed increase in funding to help forces protect the public and keep our streets safe.

"We will also work closely with forces at a national and regional level to maximise efficiency and innovation, so that every penny they receive goes as far as possible and provides real value for the public."

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