Government pledges multi-million pound boost for North West police forces

North West police forces are getting a multi-million pound boost to their funding under new government spending plans announced by the Home Secretary.

Yvette Cooper says £200 million will be used to strengthen neighbourhood policing, doubling the amount provisionally announced in December.

The announcement means the region’s five forces will get an increase in funding compared to the 2024-2025 police settlement, with government figures suggesting:

Making the announcement Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “This major investment marks a turning point for policing in this country.

“By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200m, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSO’s where they’re needed most – on our streets and in our town centres.

“Every neighbourhood deserves dedicated officers who know their patch, understand residents’ concerns and can tackle problems before they escalate. This investment, alongside new powers we are bringing into law, will help prevent crime and protect our communities, which is at the heart of our Plan for Change.

“Restoring local policing will not happen overnight, but this funding boost will get more officers into our town centres and rural areas.”

The government says the cash is part of its Safer Streets mission and Plan for Change, which aims to put 13,000 additional officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and special constables into dedicated neighbourhood roles.

The Home Office says that it will be up to individual forces to decide how best to use the funding, and that they will be submitting plans to the government in the early Spring.

It adds that the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will give police new powers to help with neighbourhood policing including Respect Orders, allowing officers ban repeat anti-social behaviour offenders from town centres, and that every neighbourhood will have a named, contactable officer who knows their patch.

The government points to Lancashire’s Operation Centurion and Vulture as demonstrating the impact of dedicated neighbourhood teams, highlighting a 13% reduction in ASB hotspots and 2,960 “positive outcomes” for shoplifting offences.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw said: “Neighbourhood policing is a historic strength for Lancashire, and I know that more officers on the beat to tackle and deter crime and antisocial behaviour is exactly what residents want to see.

“The positive results from local operations led by our neighbourhood teams speak for themselves and I welcome the commitment from the Government to further strengthen the police presence in our communities.”

Neighbourhood Watch CEO John Hayward-Cripps said: “Neighbourhood Watch is delighted that the government is further increasing the investment in neighbourhood policing.

“With the increased demands on the police, and public confidence at a low point, a focus on neighbourhood policing is key to the police being visible, approachable, and engaging proactively with the public.

“This injection of investment will increase public confidence in the police and enhance feelings of safety within local communities.”