Cleveland Police gets 35 per cent less funding per crime, letter says

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller and Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey have written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to ask for an increase of £20m of funding per year. 

They say that “longstanding and systematic funding inequalities” has left the region “disproportionately underfunded for many years”. 

It comes in the wake of the devastating A66 crash on August 22 where PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough died in the line of duty. 

Police at the scene of the crash on the A66. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The letter, backed by a string of civic leaders across the region including mayors and council leaders, has laid bare how there are no police force areas with higher levels of crime than the region that receive less funding than Cleveland Police.

There are approximately 40 per cent more crimes per police officer in Cleveland than the national average, and despite this level of demand, Cleveland receives around 35 per cent less funding per crime than the average police force. 

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The letter also reveals that bringing officer workloads closer to the national average would require around 500 extra officers.

It comes just days after Ms Mahmood announced that the force would get an £2 million to tackle serious and organised crime following the tragic A66 incident and Grangetown house blaze.

Shabana Mahmood announced an extra £2m in funding would be given to Cleveland Police to help tackle organised crime. (Image: House of Commons/PA Wire)

But the letter argues that, despite the boost, the force has a funding model that “fails to reflect the reality of policing one of the most crime-affected areas in the country”.

“These are not simply statistics. They are stark facts that have a significant impact on our workforce,” the letter states. 

“They represent heavier workloads, growing pressure on workforce wellbeing, victims waiting longer for justice, communities requiring greater protection and public services operating under increasing strain.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey (Image: Supplied)

“The consequences are felt far beyond policing, placing significant pressure on our fire service, local authorities, health and mental health services, children’s services, housing providers, schools, community organisations and the voluntary sector.” 

Ms Fuller and Mr Storey argue that a recurring uplift of at least £20 million per year would enable police to recruit, train and retain approximately 200 additional police officers. 

They said: “The evidence is clear, the challenges are longstanding and the need for action is urgent. What is now required is a funding settlement that reflects the reality of the demands facing our force and the communities we serve. Our communities are looking for action. 

PC Matthew Blades (left) and PC Tom Clough (right) (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE/CARMEL COLLEGE)

“While we recognise the Government’s commitment to police reform, Cleveland cannot afford to wait for future reviews, reforms or changes to funding formulas. 

“The challenges we face exist today, and they require action today.” 

The letter has been signed in support by the following people:

• Graham Harrison, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council 
• Matt Wilton, chief executive of Hartlepool Borough Council 
• Chris Cooke, Mayor of Middlesbrough Council
• Erik Scollay, chief executive of Middlesbrough Council 
• Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council
• Brian Archer, chief executive of Redcar and Cleveland Council
• Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton Borough Council 
• Mike Greene, chief executive of Stockton Borough Council
• Lord Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor 
• Tom Bryant, chief executive of the Tees Valley Combined Authority
• David Coupe, chair of Cleveland Fire Authority 
• Simon Weastell, interim chief fire officer, Cleveland Fire Brigade 
• Alison Smith, chief executive of Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust 

• Stacey Hunter, chief executive of the University Hospitals Tees Group 
• Matt Forrest, chief executive officer, Thirteen Housing Group 
• Rosemary Du Rose, chief executive, Beyond Housing 
• Mark Davis, on behalf of Tees Valley Infrastructure Partnership