Holmes attacks the Government over chronic under-funding of Derbyshire police

11.37.06am GMT Fri 5th Feb 2010

Leading in the Commons for the Liberal Democrats during the annual police funding debate, Paul Holmes, MP for Chesterfield and Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson challenged the Minister over the continual under funding of Derbyshire Police.

During the debate, Paul read from a letter sent by Derbyshire Police Authority to the Government in January, which pointed out that, in the last 5 years, the Government had repeatedly denied Derbyshire the £26 million of funding it needs - even though the Government had admitted that Derbyshire should have an extra £5 million a year.

Paul Holmes said:

"£5 million a year for Derbyshire is equivalent to 160 more police officers on the beat. Per head of population, Derbyshire has the lowest level of Police Community Support Officer funding nationally.

"Chesterfield constituents cannot understand why the Government says to Derbyshire Police: "You need £5 million more to police Derbyshire to the standard needed, we agree you should have the money, we will inspect and judge Derbyshire police against this standard, but, no, we will not give you the extra £5 million per year that you need to achieve it.""