In an unexpected turn of events, proposed reductions within the Lincolnshire Police have been put on hold, courtesy of a last-minute cash injection from the government. The force had previously warned of potential job cuts numbering up to 400 over the forthcoming three years, attributed to a daunting £14m deficit in this year’s budget. However, after months of negotiations, the government has pledged £5.7m in the form of special grants and upfront payments. Despite this, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire stresses the need for a sustainable solution. Chief Constable Paul Gibson has, for now, put a pause on any large-scale redundancy plans until autumn. Further discussions on the force’s financial future will resume post the government’s spending review. The government maintains it has augmented funding to police forces since taking office. While the funding package has been welcomed as a short term reprieve, there is widespread acknowledgment that long term funding issues still need to be addressed. Lincolnshire Police, currently receiving the lowest funding per capita of any force in the country, is in the process of taking the government to court over claims of an unlawful funding formula, which adversely impacts large rural counties such as Lincolnshire. A full hearing is due in July, but hopes are that an agreement will be reached with the government before then.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk.
