Why it matters: The funding boost is part of Labour's 'Safer Streets' mission and aims to increase the number of neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs across the county.
The big picture: The provisional increase could see Suffolk's overall policing budget rise by nearly £10 million – a 5.7% increase – enabling the force to focus on key priorities including:
Expanding neighbourhood policing teams
Tackling violence against women and girls
Reducing knife crime
Cracking down on antisocial behaviour
What they're saying: Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich and the Government's Mission Champion for the East of England, welcomed the announcement: "I am pleased to see the Government pledge an extra £5.5 million for policing in Suffolk, marking a significant real-terms funding increase. This will allow us to tackle some of the most pressing issues we face here in our county."
Behind the scenes: Forces will be required to participate in a new Commercial Efficiencies and Collaboration Programme, focusing on:
Better fleet management
Improved energy purchasing
Standardised ICT contracts
Worth noting: The funding is part of a wider security investment that includes:
A boost to counter-terrorism policing from £140 million to £1.2 billion
Additional funding to tackle county lines crime
Further settlements for tackling cyber-crime and fraud to be announced
The bottom line: While Abbott says he will continue to push for funding that "better recognises the multi-faceted problems" faced in Suffolk, this provisional settlement represents a significant boost to local policing resources.
