Today, I addressed the pressing issue of police funding during a Westminster Hall debate, focusing particularly on the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Despite the commendable efforts of our police forces, the figures reveal an alarming reality. In Northern Ireland, the situation is especially critical. The PSNI has been grappling with under funding since 2010, placing immense pressure on its ability to effectively serve the community.
While the Northern Ireland block grant has increased by nearly 50% since the 2010/11 financial year, now totaling approximately £14.2 billion in 2023/24, the PSNI budget has been reduced from £903 million to £892 million. This contrasts sharply with the 89% increase in health spending and the modest 8% rise for justice. A 3% cut to police funding is indefensible in the face of current challenges.
I was encouraged by the presence of all Unionist parties, whose valuable contributions highlighted our shared concern for the future of policing in Northern Ireland. However, during the debate, I directly challenged the Justice Minister to explain why community safety and police funding are not treated as top priorities. The Minister’s approach to this crucial matter has fallen far short, and it is clear that immediate action is necessary.
Neighborhood policing is declining, response times for non-emergency calls are lengthening, and inquiry offices are closing. This results in a stretched and under-resourced force, unable to fully support partner organizations or investigate crimes effectively. In my own constituency of North Down, we face the unacceptable reality of lacking a fully operational, full-time police station, which only exacerbates community concerns and reduces the level of support available to residents.
The PSNI currently has around 4,500 deployable officers, with an attrition rate of 40 officers per month and an anticipated further reduction of 300 by March 2025. This would leave fewer than 6,000 officers, significantly below the Patten Commission’s recommended 7,500. Immediate funding is essential to support the PSNI’s business case and bring the force up to the proposed 7,000 officers and 2,572 staff over the next few years. Crucially, the PSNI needs the funding to train and deploy an additional 1,000 officers on the streets, reinforcing their ability to maintain public safety and respond effectively to community needs.
The broader national security implications cannot be ignored. Organized crime, estimated to cost the UK £47 billion, poses a particular challenge in Northern Ireland, where a third of these criminal groups have paramilitary links. Astonishingly, 30% of the PSNI’s organized crime unit is engaged in tackling such threats, with 40% of adults and 45% of young people in Northern Ireland feeling the impact of paramilitarism.
I want to place on record that I fully back the Chief Constable in his call to the Prime Minister for additional funding for the PSNI. However, it is imperative that any extra funding provided by the government is ringfenced specifically for the PSNI and not simply handed over to the Northern Ireland Executive without strict conditions ensuring its use for policing. This will guarantee that the funds are used for their intended purpose—to support and strengthen the PSNI—without risk of diversion to other areas.
The current funding allocation is insufficient and hampers the PSNI’s ability to perform its essential duties and maintain public trust. I call for a comprehensive review of the PSNI’s funding, closure of the £37 million funding gap, and an increase in the baseline budget to establish sustainable funding.
Our officers put their lives on the line daily, running towards danger to protect the public. They deserve more than just our gratitude; they deserve the resources necessary to do their job effectively. It is time for action, not just words, to ensure our police services have the support they need to protect and serve.
