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 component of funding to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for policing in Wales for 2013-14. This includes details of the provisional allocations of the core unhypothecated funding provided through Revenue Support Grant (RSG) that each PCC in Wales may expect to receive for the forthcoming financial year (table 1, 2 and 3 attached).
Police funding is not wholly devolved and the overall Police Settlement is driven by the Home Office’s decisions on Police Grant. Funding will be distributed across all PCCs 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 force area has to take a cut in resources of more than -1.57% for 2013-14. The overall impact of the settlement and Home Office floor damping is that every force in England and Wales has the same level of reduction for 2013-14.
This is a challenging settlement for the police service that will require difficult choices in order to protect front-line policing. The police forces 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.
On 15 November 2012, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections were held for each police force area in Wales. The role of the PCC includes setting the annual local precept and police force budget. In addition, the PCC has responsibility for appointing the Chief Constable and holding them to account for the running of their force. In consultation with the Chief Constable and the public, the PCC will also set out a five-year Police and Crime Plan taking account of local priorities. The PCC is responsible for distributing grants provided by central government for policing and may make grants to organisations other than the police.
Today marks the start of a consultation period that will end on 15 January 2013.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.