The imminent job cuts at Lincolnshire Police have been put on hold, thanks to a fresh funding agreement with the government. Previously, the force had been bracing for a major reduction in their workforce, with approximately 400 officers and staff at risk of losing their jobs by 2028 due to a £14m budget deficit. The new funding deal, however, will see the government inject £5.7m into the force through special grants and upfront payments, providing a much-needed financial buffer. Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, hailed the funding agreement as ‘welcome news’, while cautioning that it is merely a stop-gap solution for the force’s long-term funding challenges. As a result of this funding boost, Chief Constable Paul Gibson is able to suspend redundancy plans for the foreseeable future, whilst discussions about the force’s financial future are due to carry on post the government’s spending review. Despite the relief, Gibson emphasised the need for a sustainable, long-term solution to their chronic underfunding problem. This development follows a judicial review launched by the PCC against the Home Office in August, over the manner in which police force funding is calculated.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
