The government is making it harder to fight crime, says UNISON

 

Commenting on the announcement by police minister Nick Hurd of a new funding settlement for police forces dependent on a council tax precept, UNISON national officer for police Ben Priestley said:

“This money has not yet materialised, and there’s no guarantee the right amount will be raised.

“Instead of raising hopes for new money the government should invest in policing and start restoring the huge cuts imposed on the service since 2010. By slashing police funding, all the government has managed to do is make it harder to fight crime effectively.

“The public needs a lot more to feel reassured that ministers are serious about keeping communities safe.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.