Police boss calls for 'fairer' funding

Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said more funding could be spent on more officers

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) says his officers are operating "with one hand tied behind their backs" due to "an outdated" funding model.

Cleveland's Matt Storey said the force area, which has the highest overall crime rate in England and Wales, was at a "persistent disadvantage" as it had the budget of a small rural force but faced "metropolitan levels of crime".

The Labour PCC has called for a "fairer" approach to how the government funds police forces, which is currently based on a complex formula that considers several factors including population.

The Home Office said increased funding of up to £17.6bn was being invested in policing "to protect our communities".

ONS figures suggest the force's area, which covers towns including Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool, saw 122.1 crimes per 1,000 population in the year ending March 2024, compared to the national average of 87.2.

Storey acknowledged that funding had increased nationally in recent months, but said Cleveland had received a lower increase than other forces - money he said could have been spent on more officers.

Cleveland Police is to get up to £189.3m in 2025/26, an increase of up to £11.8m when compared to 2024-25, according to government figures.

"Cleveland is home to some of the most chronically deprived communities in the country, facing heightened social vulnerability, high levels of child poverty, poorer health outcomes, elevated crime levels, and significant pressure on public services, including policing," Storey said.

"Yet despite this demonstrable need, the continued use of an outdated funding formula has left the Cleveland policing area at a persistent disadvantage."

He also said the area was "losing out" because Ministry of Justice (MoJ) funding for victim support was calculated on population, not on crime rates.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are backing the police to protect our communities and keep our streets safe with up to £17.6bn this year, an increase of up to £1.2bn.

"This includes £200m to kickstart putting 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers, PCSOs and special constables that the public will see back on their streets and patrolling communities, as part of our Plan for Change."

The MoJ has been contacted for comment.