MPs asked to support 'fairer police funding'

Lincolnshire PCC Marc Jones and Chief Constable Paul Gibson alongside some of the county's MPs

Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has called on the county’s MPs to support his campaign for fairer police funding.

PCC Marc Jones and Chief Constable Paul Gibson met with all eight Lincolnshire MPs in Westminster on Tuesday for a briefing on the issue.

During the meeting, the MPs agreed to raise the matter with the newly-appointed policing minister Dame Diana Johnson, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“It was a really productive meeting,” said Mr Jones. “It was the first time all eight newly elected Lincolnshire MPs had come together to discuss a Lincolnshire issue which shows the importance they are placing on supporting the funding of policing in Lincolnshire."

He said, together with the chief constable, he was able to give MPs "an up-to-date briefing on the issues".

Mr Jones said it was "now a critical issue for Lincolnshire", and said the MPs he spoke to "are clear about that and supportive of working towards a solution".

An 'outdated' formula

In August, Mr Jones revealed he had filed papers with the courts to initiate a judicial review against the Home Office, arguing Lincolnshire Police was among the worst-funded police forces in the country on a per-resident basis.

He claimed the current funding formula relies on “outdated” population statistics and metrics, estimating the force needs an extra £20m per year over the medium term to be sustainable.

After a Police and Crime Panel meeting where he endorsed the appointment of Sara Jayne Munton as his new deputy, Mr Jones said the Home Office had until 12 August to respond to the paperwork.

The Home Office declined to comment at the time, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

On social media, Skegness and Boston MP Richard Tice described it as a “constructive cross-party meeting”.

Budget deficit

In July, Lincolnshire Police's annual report showed a budget deficit of £9.2m this year, which had been covered by reserves.

At the time, a Home Office spokesperson said funding beyond 2024-25 was subject to a future spending review.

They added the new government "remains committed to ensuring that the police have the resources they need to tackle crime effectively".

The spokesperson said: "This government has committed to delivering 13,000 new neighbourhood police and community support officers, tackle anti-social behaviour and introduce tougher powers to tackle repeat offending, to support areas like Lincolnshire."

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