On Monday 16 November I was able to speak at Home Office Oral Questions in the House of Commons, where I asked the Minister for Policing to reassure Kent residents that the County’s Police Force will still be able to field effective front-line services under revised funding formulas.
The Minister responded that Kent has been at the front line of innovations and the Government must ensure a fair and transparent funding formula is implemented. I am aware of many local resident’s concerns about this issue and I will continue to press for a commitment that will ensure our safety in Rochester and Strood.
My Question in full:
Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester and Strood) (Con): According to statistics released over the summer, many areas of Rochester and Strood, in common with many urban areas, continue to see incidents of serious crime, which is a major concern to my constituents. Will my right hon. Friend assure them that police forces such as Kent will still be able to field effective front-line services under revised funding formulas?
Mike Penning: Kent has been at the front line of innovation, in particular through the piloting of things such as body-worn cameras. It is doing remarkably well, but we must ensure a fair and transparent funding formula that everyone can understand. That way we can move forward.
For the full Hansard trascript of the Question sessions please visit http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmhansrd/cm151116/debtext/151116-0001.htm#1511162000006