Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to maintain police officer numbers in England in 2018-19; and if she will make a statement.

The Government has protected police spending since 2015. Since then, Po-lice and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have received broadly flat cash direct resource funding and we are increasing investment in transformation and improved communications and technology capabilities.

We know that crime is changing, and we are sensitive to current pressures on policing. That is why I have undertaken a programme of engagement with the sector to understand the impact of changing demands, and to hear how the police are managing this. That includes what more can be done to improve productivity and efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and make prudent use of financial reserves.

Decisions about the allocation of police resources and deployment of officers are for Chief Constables and democratically accountable PCCs. They are responsible for ensuring the needs of the local community are met.