HC Deb 30 October 2002 vol 391 cc840-1W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the ability of Gloucestershire Constabulary to provide acceptable levels of policing during the forthcoming financial year; and if he will make a statement; [77036]

(2) what recent representations he has received on the grant settlement for Gloucestershire Constabulary; and if he will make a statement; [77034]

(3) if he will review the grant settlement awarded to Gloucestershire Constabulary; and if he will make a statement. [77035]

Mr. Denham

Spending Review 2002 has made additional resources available for policing. By 2005–06 spending on the police will amount to around £1.5 billion more than in 2002–03. The final grant position for individual police authorities for the next financial year will take account of the allocation of resources for 2003/04 and the outcome of the recent review of the police funding formula.

We will take decisions on both the Spending Review and the make-up of the police funding formula shortly. During the recent consultation period on the options for changing the funding formula responses have been received from Gloucestershire police authority and an hon. Friend. All responses are being taken into account, and we are considering very carefully the implications for police authorities of implementing each of the options for change.

I intend to provide sufficient resources to support Gloucestershire, along with all other police authorities, in maintaining stable levels of service and continuity in local policing.

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have been employed by Gloucestershire Constabulary in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [77037]

Mr. Denham

The information requested is set out in the table.

Gloucestershire Constabulary is currently at record levels of officers.

Year as at 31 March Police Strength Civilian Support Staff
1992 1,174 367
1993 1,149 375
1994 1,159 381
1995 1,163 381
1996 1,133 415
1997 1,133 435
1998 1,104 423
1999 1,104 504
2000 1,114 484
2001 1,173 506
2002 1,183 545

Source:

Home Office Statistical Bulletins—Police Service Strength 1997–2002. Home Office historical data 1992–1996