Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he is taking steps to use Durham Constabulary as an example of best practice to improve national policing services.

The Government’s proposed funding settlement for the police for 2019/20 provides additional funding of up to £970 million, including additional Government grant funding, council tax precept and investment in national priorities. This substantial increase will enable forces to meet their genuine financial pressures as well as to invest in key capabilities. The Durham Police and Crime Commissioner will receive a cash funding increase of £7.5m in 2019-20 if he uses the full council tax flexibility. The Home Secretary has been clear that police funding will be a priority for the next spending review.

Through the reforms introduced by this Government, the system architecture is in place to allow all forces to benefit from learning and innovation across the sector. The College of Policing, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of the Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and the Independent Office for Police Conduct are collectively engaged in promoting and monitoring best practice and continuous improvement in policing, to ensure public confidence.