Norfolk’s police force is facing a £4 million funding gap, prompting fears the fight against crime could be hampered by cuts to frontline services.
Paul Sanford, chief constable of Norfolk Constabulary, has warned highly skilled and experienced officers could have to be replaced with trainees to save money.
It follows the Government announcement on how much money police forces would receive this year.
Norfolk’s Chief Constable Paul Sanford. Picture: Jason Bye Photography
Norfolk Police is to receive £235 million in 2025 – an increase of £12.8 million – but this fails to cover the additional costs required due to National Insurance, pension and staff pay rises, Mr Sanford said.
“I will, of course, do my upmost to minimise the impact of these cuts on frontline services,” he said, in a letter to North West Norfolk MP James Wild.
“I will prioritise our response to calls for service, investigating crime well and relentlessly pursuing the most problematic offenders.
“However, my ability to do that is limited and there will inevitably be an operational impact as a result of this settlement.”
The row over funding follows a positive year for Norfolk Police, which has one of the highest charging rates in the country. Nearly half of shoplifting cases are resolved in the county and crime has decreased by 11 per cent.
Conservative MP Mr Wild has written to home secretary Yvette Cooper, raising his concerns about the funding gap and demanding more resources for the force.
He said: “Norfolk Police have delivered impressive results in reducing crime and solving cases, but this funding settlement does not reflect the realities faced by rural forces.
“If the government is serious about fighting crime then it must ensure Norfolk has the resources needed to continue its success in keeping people safe.”
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary said it was developing plans to address the funding shortfall and details of this would be released shortly.
She added: “When undertaking this work, our priority will be to maintain core services such as answering calls for service and investigating crime well.”