Carl Sargeant, Minister for Local Government and Communities
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
I am publishing today my proposals for the Welsh Government element of the funding of Police Authorities in Wales for 2012-13. This includes details of the provisional allocations of the core unhypothecated funding provided through Revenue Support Grant (RSG) that each police authority in Wales may expect to receive for the forthcoming financial year.
Police funding is not wholly devolved and the overall Police settlement is driven by the Home Office’s decisions on Police Grant. Funding is distributed across all Police Authorities in England and Wales in accordance with a distribution formula operated by the Home Office. The Home Office is also responsible for providing funding to ensure that no Police Authority has to take a cut in resources of more 6.7% for 2012-13. The overall impact of the settlement and Home Office floor damping is that every Police Authority in England and Wales has the same level of reduction for 2012-13.
This is without doubt a very challenging settlement for the Police Service that will require hard choices in order to protect front-line policing. The Police Authorities in Wales have a very good record of collaboration in the development and provision of services. In addition, the Police are participating in a shared agenda across the public sector in Wales to promote efficiency and innovation in public services.
Today marks the start of a consultation period that will end on 16 January 2012.
I would be happy to make an oral statement if Assembly Members wish me to do so, at the first opportunity in the new session.