PCC sets out how Constabulary plans to tackle £7m ‘budget gap’

• Rising costs and a freeze on funding, have contributed to a £7m ‘funding gap’ in the Constabulary budget
• The Constabulary’s fiscal strategy for the next three years, called the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) estimates savings of £7m in 2025/26, £3m in 26/27 and £2m in 27/28.
• Presenting the figures at a meeting of the county’s police and crime panel, Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson reassured members that police officer numbers are protected in this financial year, and the Government has promised more Neighbourhood police in the years ahead.

A perfect storm of rising costs, increased demands and a funding freeze have led to a £7m budget gap in the Gloucestershire Constabulary budget.

Inflation, interest rates, pay awards, energy costs and service demands have all put pressure on the force’s finances, the county’s police and crime panel heard today (Friday).

At the same time, reserves have dropped to a minimal level, with little prospect of additional Government Funding.

Police Officer numbers are protected but some are being used to fill police staff roles.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson told members of the panel, “The police are subject to the same accounting regulations as local councils and are not allowed to set an unbalanced budget. Putting it simply, the police have to be able to pay their bills.

“I am working closely with the Chief Constable and other senior officers, but whatever changes we have to make, our first priority is to make sure the Constabulary remains effective and fulfils its main job of keeping the public safe”.

Just like local councils, the police are not protected from real term cuts in funding, and the Government has made it clear, there will be no extra money from them.

The Constabulary’s fiscal strategy for the next three years, called the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and presented to today’s police and crime panel meeting, estimates savings of £7m in 2025/26, £3m in 26/27 and £2m in 27/28.

Mr. Nelson said, “We have had to make assumptions on the level of Council Tax precept and government grant going forward and these will need to be updated once the government has made an announcement in December.

“Work is already underway, with a senior level joint Constabulary and OPCC task group focused on creating opportunities for such efficiencies and savings. Work will continue with the aim of producing some early benefits for the current financial year, (2024/25) as well as a full year effect for 2025/26.

“We are no different from any other police force in the country who have had to make similar savings. And although we have paused recruiting PCSOs for the time being, there will be no cuts in our warranted police officer numbers.”