§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of funding for the Public Safety Radio Communications Project will be provided by a deduction from the police grant provision over each year of the project; what assessment he has made of the impact on police forces' budgets and on frontline service provision; what representations he has received on the matter; and if he will make a statement. [117989]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe cost of the core service for the Public Safety Radio Communications Project (PSRCP) represents approximately 80 per cent. of the total service charges for police forces in England and
598WWales. This is to be funded centrally by means of deduction from total police grant provision. The forecast core service charges for the period 2000–01 are estimated at £4.4 million. This estimate is currently under review in the light of current plans for the roll-out to forces. Other estimates were provided in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 13 March 2000, Official Report, columns 87-92W.
The impact on police forces' budgets and on frontline service provision will depend on the outcome of Spending Review 2000.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I have frequent discussions with police authority representatives and chief constables about police resources, including funding for PSRCP. In addition, my officials and I have had discussions with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities about the funding of PSRCP.