§ 12. Mr. Nick Hawkins (Surrey Heath)What representations he has had from Surrey police force regarding funding for expected manpower levels over the next three years. [61101]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Paul Boateng)We have received representations from the chairman and the treasurer of Surrey police authority about the funding of the Surrey police. The provisional police funding settlement for England and Wales in 1999–2000 will be announced later this week.
The proposed boundary changes between the Surrey police, and the Metropolitan police in April 2000 will result in some transitional costs for the police authority next year. We are considering its bid for extra funding to help meet those costs.
§ Mr. HawkinsI am grateful to the Minister for indicating that that matter is under consideration, but, when examining the overall funding position of police authorities such as Surrey, as well as the funding position of the national crime squad and the national criminal intelligence service, he will be aware that value added tax and the ability to reclaim it are currently a big issue. I see the Home Secretary nodding; will the Minister confirm that that issue will be carefully looked into? We do not want our police forces to be handicapped by being less able to reclaim VAT, with the result that there is less money for police officers on the beat, which is what concerns all our constituents.
§ Mr. BoatengOnly last week, I met our former colleague Sir John Wheeler regarding the matter. He is 532 doing excellent work with the authorities in that respect. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I are taking a careful look so as to ensure that the police service is not disadvantaged.