This week, the Chancellor announced the Spending Review allocations for all government departments.

Whilst there were some notable increases for funding for health, housing and defence, the Home Office budget has been cut and the allocation to policing is very disappointing.

It now looks highly likely that the Government’s manifesto pledges for safer streets, an extra 13,000 police officers and the halving of knife crime and violence against women and girls, will not be deliverable.

PCC’s would, of course, welcome any real terms increase in funding for police but only if that comes with a real increase in the Government’s contribution.

Sadly, as Treasury Ministers themselves confirmed, local taxpayers will now face annual increases of around 5% in their council tax to make up the shortfall in funding for policing. Even then, there is little confidence in the system that policing will be able to deliver on the Government’s pledges to half knife crime and violence against women and girls. Whilst we hear promises of 13,000 “extra police” the available funding actually amounts to only 43 additional police officers for Sussex.

The full details of the funding allocation for police forces will be announced in December and, in the meantime, my office will be working very closely with Sussex Police’s finance team and leaders to ensure we can still meet the existing savings requirements we have for this year and still provide an effective and reassuring police service for our county. You can watch my full response online.

Sussex volunteer scheme nominated for King’s Award

I am proud to say that my Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) scheme has been recognised as a nominee for the highest honour given to volunteer groups across the UK – The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It is equivalent to an MBE and is given as a life-long award.

Earlier this year, my scheme was awarded Platinum Status for the second time, an unprecedented occurrence. This is the national accreditation given by The Independent Custody Visiting Association, who assess ICV schemes across the country.

Sussex's ICV scheme plays an extremely important role in our criminal justice system. When people come into custody, it must be remembered that they are innocent until proven guilty as detainees and should, therefore, be treated accordingly.

To investigate crimes, detainees will often need to take part in interviews so, ensuring they have access to specific health provisions, can help them to engage better with this process and our ICV’s are instrumental in ensuring those provisions are met.

Through thorough and detailed reporting, the work of our ICVs is invaluable in helping me to scrutinise Sussex Police’s custody practices and procedures and to hold the Force to the highest standards. The ICVs have influenced and implemented changes that are now recognised nationally by the Home Office. Their commitment, professionalism and dedication is second to none. They give up their time 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Their nomination is hard earned and truly deserved.

My ICV Scheme Manager, Claire Taylor has reflected on the nomination: "I am incredibly proud of the independent custody visitors nomination for the King's Award for Voluntary Service. Their dedication and tireless work to ensure the well-being of people in police custody is truly remarkable. This nomination is a well-deserved recognition of the care and commitment they demonstrate within the local community".

We await to hear the final outcome of our nomination which will be announced on 14 November, in line with The King's birthday.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner