Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce the level of crime in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has ensured that, through the election of police and crime commissioners, communities, including those in rural areas, have a strong voice in determining how police resources are allocated to tackle the crimes that most matter to them.

Moreover, we are committed to providing all police forces in England and Wales with the resources they need to do their crucial work. In 2018/19, total police funding increased by over £460 million, including Council Tax precept and funding for national priorities. The proposed funding settlement for 2019/20 enables total policing funding to increase by up to £970 million, including Council Tax precept and funding for national priorities such as counter-terrorism. This is sufficient for the police to both manage financial pressures and invest in key capabilities such as recruiting more detectives.