PCC responds to the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review
11.06.25 - Merseyside
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner has today welcomed the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.
Emily Spurrell said: “This Government inherited an economic mess caused by 14 years of Conservative austerity, with pressure on the public purse coming from every direction.
“So, I welcome the Chancellor’s announcement today confirming more than £2bn of extra investment in policing.
“This real teams increase in police spending is vital to support our police service as it works to protect the public and tackle crime.
“I also welcome the additional funding for the probation service focused on reducing re-offending and addressing the issues which lead to people committing crime to stop it from happening in the first place.
“These are positive steps in the right direction, however, the impact of more than a decade of chronic underfunding cannot be reversed overnight.
“We must be honest, there are still significant financial challenges ahead, particularly if forces are to deliver on the Government’s very welcome goals of halving knife crime and violence against women and girls.
“This work will be supported by an ambitious programme of police reform announced by the Home Secretary last November including a new national police performance unit, a national centre for policing and a commitment to improving the visibility of officers on our streets.
“These once-in-a-generation reforms will bring about efficiencies, but it will take time and police forces will continue to face considerable budget pressures in the years ahead as demand rises and crime becomes increasingly complex.
“While we await details of the specific allocation for Merseyside, I will continue to engage with Ministers to ensure our region receives the funding it deserves, reflecting the unique demands and challenges our region faces to ensure we are fit to fight crime now and into the future.”