HC Deb 06 January 2004 vol 416 cc323-4W
John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account was taken of the extra bank holidays in 2004–05 in the police financial settlement. [140577]

Ms Blears

[holding answer 1 December 2003]: Account is not taken of variable numbers of bank holidays when determining the annual police grant settlement. Accommodating changes from year to year is a matter for police local management.

Phil Sawford

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional financial assistance is available from the Home Office to police authorities to cover the cost of large scale and expensive investigations. [144350]

Ms Blears

Police forces are normally expected to meet the cost of large-scale investigations from their own budget and general reserves.

In cases where unforeseen and exceptional costs are substantial, the Home Secretary may consider providing grant towards the additional costs. Cases are considered in the light of individual circumstances and subject to funds being available. Forces will normally be expected to meet initial costs up to 1 per cent. of their annual budget.