Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Victoria Atkins and Jack Lopresti

Monday 25th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Victoria Atkins]

I am sure that the hon. Lady will welcome the fact that the Government have provided up to £970 million more for policing in this year, which means more than £11 million for her constabulary. I am sure she will be delighted that that will be spent by the Conservative police and crime commissioner to fund 50 more police officers and 20 more police community support officers.

[Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that greater flexibility for local police and crime commissioners will better enable local forces to solve local problems?

[Victoria Atkins]

Very much so. As my hon. Friend knows, the Government support police and crime commissioners precisely because we believe that, ensconced in their local communities, they can understand the local policing priorities in their areas better than bureaucrats in Whitehall.