HOLMES CONDEMS POLICE UNDERFUNDING

12.00.00am GMT Wed 4th Feb 2009

Speaking in Parliament, Paul Holmes Liberal Democrat MP for Chesterfield and Shadow Home Affairs Spokesman told the Police Minister in today's Police Grant debate that -

"Last year Derbyshire Police was the fourth worst funded in England and Wales. This year they are the third worst funded. The situation is getting worse.

"In 2006/7 the Government said Derbyshire needed more money but couldn't have it, three years later it has lost £16m. This year it loses another £5 million and next year it loses another £5 million.

"That's 3% of the annual budget, that the equivalent of 160 police officers"

Paul told the Minister

"Police Officers in Chesterfield and my constituents cannot understand why the worst funded authorities continue to bear the brunt of the tightest funding settlement for the Police in over ten years."

Paul also told the Commons

"The repair and maintenance staff working for Chesterfield Council Housing Department, have handheld electronic devices that link them to the office. This provides a more efficient response and the most effective service for local people.

"It is then frankly unbelievable that the Government have not provided police officers on patrol with such equipment which would save them much time and paperwork freeing them to patrol the streets."