Essex Police is set to receive an additional £18.8 million in its funding next year, following an increase to police budgets by the Government.
The extra cash has been welcomed by James Duddridge MP, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East.
Across the country, policing will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22, an increase of £636 million on last year. This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, delivering on the promise made by the Conservatives in last year’s General Election. Essex Police has already benefited from an additional 82 officers so far.
The funding will be also be used to bolster counter-terrorism policing, including money for armed policing and more officers.
The Government has been determined to support the police throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as officers have worked tirelessly to keep communities safe. The Government has provided £30 million to help forces step up coronavirus enforcement and has reimbursed forces for all additional PPE purchased between March and July.
Commenting, James Duddridge MP, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, said:
“Essex Police officers and staff have, as ever, done a brilliant job in keeping our community safe this year and I’m pleased that the force is now set to receive an additional £18.8 million next year.
“Just over a year ago I was proud to be re-elected on a promise to get more officers onto the streets of Southend and Rochford, as well as ensuring our police have what they need to keep us safe, and that’s exactly what this Government is doing.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel added:
“We have asked more of the police than ever before during the coronavirus pandemic – the British people and I are extremely grateful for their dedication.
"I am absolutely committed to giving the police the resources they need - this funding package delivers on that.
"It will allow us to continue to put more police on the streets, and reduce crime as we build back safer from the pandemic.”
