Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson, has called on the Home Secretary to fairly fund Northumbria Police Force after a consultation called for further cuts.

At Home Office questions (Monday 12th October) Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson called on the government to implement a fairer funding settlement for Northumbria Police Force.

Northumbria Police has been hit by 23% spending cuts and the Home Office has been asked to draw up plans for a further 25% or 40% spending cut for the period 2019-20.

Chief Constable Steve Ashman has already raised concerns about the impact these cuts will have on the ability of the police to operate.

Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson said:

“The minister in responding to my question failed to address concerns that yet again Northumbria Police will face further disproportionate cuts to its budget. Many local people have told me they are concerned about what this will mean for policing across Wearside.

“The government’s plans to change the funding formula for our police could see areas like ours hardest hit while more affluent areas in England could see increases in their budgets.

“It’s time we had a fairer deal from this government and one that recognises the needs of our community.”

You can read the full exchange in Parliament here.