§ Mrs. LaingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what extra resources will be allocated to Essex Police in order that they can fulfil their duties, after reorganisation, in the areas of Essex presently covered by the Metropolitan Police. [72803]
§ Mr. BoatengPolice funding allocations are determined by a needs-based formula. The formula to be applied in 2000–2001 will take into account the changes to the boundaries of the Essex Police. The allocation of resources thereafter within the force area is a matter for the Chief Constable.
The Government have recognised that the Essex Police Authority will incur transitional costs in the year preceding the boundary changes. In order to achieve a smooth implementation of the changes we have, in addition to Essex Police Authority's normal funding for 1999–2000, allocated an extra £2 million to the Police Authority for special transitional costs associated with boundary changes.