Chief Constable Paul Gibson of Lincolnshire Police has issued a sobering warning that his force could face up to 400 job cuts if further funding is not secured by October. This news follows the Chancellor’s Spending Review in which it was disclosed that there will be a 2.3% real terms increase in funding for police forces across England and Wales. However, Gibson maintains that this is inadequate for Lincolnshire Police, which is facing a possible £70m shortfall.
In a discussion with Frances Finn on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Gibson brought to light the singular funding challenges that Lincolnshire Police faces. He emphasised that, without additional financial backing, vital services including neighbourhood and rural policing, could potentially be adversely affected. “If we do not receive increased funding by October, I unfortunately will have to begin consultations to substantially downsize our operations,” he cautioned.
Addressing concerns aired by local residents, with an elector from Old Leake near Boston recounting her ordeal of extended police response times, Gibson conceded the restrictions imposed by the prevailing financial limitations. He underlined the significance of striking a balance between budget constraints and the requirements of the local community.
Gibson has a scheduled meeting with Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson in July to make a case for further funding. This comes as a recent report criticised Lincolnshire Police’s performance in crime investigations and responding to the public, thus highlighting an urgent need for increased provisions.
While earlier rounds of funding have provisionally staved off job losses, the sustainable resolution of this issue is not yet clear. Nevertheless, Gibson assured listeners that concerted attempts were being made to better the quality of service amid financial challenges. He said, “We are working diligently in the background to ensure we are improving our crime investigation competency, enhancing our criminal investigation supervision and meeting the needs of crime victims more effectively.”
This story has been rewritten by The Lincoln Post and it is originally reported by bbc.com.
