After campaigning for fairer funding for Bedfordshire Police, the borough’s Police and Crime Commissioner and MPs have welcomed the news that the force will see a 6.6 per cent increase in cash from the government in 2025/26.
However, opposition MP, Richard Fuller (North Bedfordshire, Conservative) said that the announced increase “will not close the gap” that has seen previous PCCs relying on government grants.
The funding aims to increase the number of neighbourhood police officers on the streets as the government doubles funding to £200 million to make communities in the East of England safer.
In a statement, the Home Office said the cash injection, “reflects both the scale of the challenge and the government’s determination to address it”.
The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Through the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, officers will receive new powers including Respect Orders to help take back our town centres and high streets. Every neighbourhood will have a named, contactable officer who knows their patch.”
“Bedfordshire’s proactive approach to community safety demonstrated through initiatives like the new police hub in Bedford Town Centre, shows exactly why the government is doubling its neighbourhood policing investment to £200m.
“With a commitment to named officers for every area and strong partnership working with local councils, the force is already delivering the visible, accessible policing that this funding aims to achieve nationwide.”
Increase to £167.8 million per year
The 6.6 per cent increase, compared to what they received in 2024/25, will bring government funding for Bedfordshire Police up to £167.8 million.
Bedford and Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), said: “I’ve campaigned for years for a fair police funding formula that truly reflects the cost of policing in our area.
“Despite repeated efforts, the previous government refused to act.
“I’m thrilled that the Labour Government has finally taken meaningful steps to address our region’s many policing challenges.
“We promised more visible policing to tackle serious violent crime, retail crime, gang activity, and the persistent scourge of antisocial behaviour, which has left too many people feeling unsafe in their own community.
“Situation is not sustainable”
Fuller, however, told the Bedford Independent that while increased police numbers were always welcome, “Beds Police continues to be funded as a rural force and the situation is not sustainable”.
“We have two large urban centres and an international airport requiring complex counter-terrorism resources and the funding needs to match the challenges Bedfordshire Police face.
“There is a cross-party view that we need a funding settlement from the Government that reflects these challenges without constantly having to rely on grants.
“This announced increase of £1.8m will not close that gap and of course, our police budget is already having to grapple with the increase in National Insurance pushed through by Rachel Reeves in her budget.
“Before the election, the previous Government told us that their plans for changes to the national funding formula were quite advanced.
“[This week], Bedfordshire MPs will join once again to support improved funding for Bedfordshire Police in a debate in the House of Commons.
“I hope to hear positive news from the Home Secretary that she will complete the progress made by the last government.”
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: “Local policing means engaging with communities to not only solve but to prevent crime.
“It is about being proactive and working in partnership with local councils and other community organisations.”
