Chief constable and policing boss clash over budget

Leicestershire's top police officer has refused to support budget plans set out by the county's police and crime commissioner (PCC), which he said would leave the force with a £4.7m budget shortfall.

Rupert Matthews, the country's only Reform UK PCC, plans to increase Leicestershire Police's share of the council tax bill by £11 for a Band D property from April - below the £15 allowable under government capping rules.

However, temporary Chief Constable David Sandall said the proposal would leave the force without the resources to keep the public safe.

Matthews said his proposed increase was just above inflation and followed a consultation with people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Sandall said he would be outlining his concerns at a police and crime panel meeting, where Matthews's budget will be debated, on 4 February.

"I have been clear with the PCC as to our reality," Sandall said.

"I also feel strongly that the public need us to be open and transparent as to the impact this decision will have.

"We have a lot of work to do to ensure we continue to deliver a high level of service to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) whilst ensuring we work within these financial constraints, which is a huge undertaking.

"I do not think the budget provided is the right decision for the public or the force.

"It is important that I am clear on my legal obligations to deliver this police service to the people of LLR and to be respectful of the PCC's responsibilities."

He added: "I recognise that no-one really wants to pay more tax and of course we recognise the pressures on people's finances, with many in force managing financial pressures.

"However, this must be balanced with the ability to prevent harm, keep people safe and ensure that we can deliver an efficient and effective police service and have the resources to do this."

Leicestershire Police Federation chair Andy Spence said: "Leicestershire Police has already faced budget cuts of £23m and the PCC now wants to cut a further £4m per year.

"A direct result of this will be the loss of police officer and staff numbers. This puts the public at risk and shows just how out of touch the PCC is with policing.

"It is shuddering to think that despite really clear evidence from those who know what they are talking about that he has chosen to cover his ears, ignore what the public have said and do what he wants.

"If this move goes ahead, the officers we represent will bear an unsustainable burden. It means less money for training, equipment and less support to deal with the trauma they face."

Matthews said: "Just because I can ask local people to pay an additional £15 towards policing, it doesn't mean I should.

"The maximum amount is not an entitlement, it is not a rite of passage.

"I haven't been convinced by any views saying that it was essential to go for the maximum possible, so I haven't.

"It's true that I have been calling for more funding for Leicestershire Police for years. I will continue to do so. But this money should come from central government, not local residents."

Matthews said he was confident the chief constable would be able to make savings in the coming financial year.

He added: "I wanted to find a balance whereby the force was not compromised financially, and the public were not paying a penny more than absolutely essential."

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