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<p>In February 2012, the Chief Constable of South Wales police submitted a formal request for additional funding based on the fact that they police the capital city of Wales. The former Policing Minister concluded that Cardiff did not face the same challenges and responsibilities as those that come with policing London.</p><p>The reasons to support this were as follows:</p><p>Although Cardiff is a busy city with a large number of visitors, events, sporting fixtures and protests, these factors are not unique to Cardiff. Many other cities such as Manchester and Birmingham have higher numbers of visitors, similar sized sports venues and see regular protests on a range of issues.</p><p>The National and International Capital City Grant (NICC) reflects the additional burdens placed on the metropolitan police. These include the seat of Government, a permanent Royal presence and significant numbers of events that require policing including a multitude of international conferences such as the G20.</p><p>The application referenced the fact that the Lothian and Borders force receives an additional payment for policing Edinburgh. The Home Secretary does not have responsibility for policing in Scotland and therefore this is a matter for the Scottish Government.</p><p>The application also referred to the challenges that South Wales faces in relation to the Olympics and counter-terrorism. South Wales were provided with additional funding for the Olympics and they also receive funds for counter-terrorism policing.</p><p>I last discussed funding for South Wales police on a visit to Wales in January 2013.</p> |