Police and Crime Commissioner Responds to Inspectorate’s Report

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes response to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) report ‘Cumbria Constabulary’s Response to the Funding Challenge’.

Mr Rhodes said “I welcome the positive feedback this report has provided on the good progress Cumbria Constabulary is making in achieving the savings required by reductions in our grant. The Inspectorate confirmed that plans are in place to deliver all of the savings required. The report provides an important check and balance on the cuts that have been made. 

“Cumbria Constabulary has to make £17m savings and that is not without its challenges. The report recognises the work that has been done to maintain the frontline despite the cuts in our funding. It shows that the proportion of officers in frontline crime-fighting roles is planned to increase to 95%. As Commissioner, I know this is important for the public. I have worked with the Chief Constable to provide a budget which allows police officer and PCSO numbers to remain at 1134 and 95 respectively for two years.

“HMIC has recognised the challenges faced by Cumbria Constabulary in policing a large rural county like Cumbria and highlights some of the higher costs that come as a result of that. The report also identifies the negative impact that any change in funding allocations would have on Cumbria. Going forward we will fully engage with the Home Office on any debate that takes place on this significant issue.”

T/Chief Constable Lawson said “The HMIC have published their latest report into Valuing the Police and I am pleased to see confirmation that Cumbria Constabulary has made good progress towards delivering the savings of £17 million by March 2015.

“These have been financially challenging times, in which every department has looked to make savings. However, it is positive to see how the workforce within Cumbria Constabulary continue to provide an excellent service to the people of Cumbria. Over the first two years of the spending review, recorded crime fell by 14% for the area, with 89.6% of victims feeling satisfied with the service they received.

“Community policing continues to be our priority, with our aim to have 95% of officers in frontline crime-fighting roles by March 2015.

“We are adapting our way of working to make the necessary changes to save the £17 million required and we will be a smaller force after we have delivered all savings. However, we are committed in doing everything we can to ensure that this does not impact on the high standards of service communities receive from Cumbria Constabulary.”