Cleveland Police's funding reduced in real terms amid £2.4m shortfall
Police and Crime Commissioner warns of tough choices ahead as area faces cutbacks
Cleveland Police is dealing with a £2.4m funding gap following the Government's announcement of funding settlements for the 2026-2027 financial year.
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey has expressed concerns about the implications for the force, describing the funding system as "broken" and calling the settlement "farcical."
National figures show Cleveland has the highest crime rate per 1,000 population across England and Wales. Despite reductions in crime by 5% last year, Cleveland remains the most improved police force according to government inspectors but continues to face significant challenges due to its levels of deprivation.
The funding shortfall is equivalent to losing around 40 full-time police officer posts. Cleveland received an increase of only 2.9% after accounting for last year’s pay awards, the lowest rise in the country and effectively a real-term cut. Policemen struggle with working in one of the areas with the highest number of neighbourhoods in the top 10% for deprivation nationally.
Challenges for Cleveland Police
With the funding gap putting pressure on operational resources, PCC Storey is proposing an increase in the police precept – part of residents' council tax provision for policing. He suggests a rise of £15 per year for a Band D property. Cleveland already has the ninth-highest policing precept in England, highlighting the difficulties local communities face balancing need versus affordability.
Addressing the Government’s funding formula, Storey said: “The system used to fund police forces in this country is broken... This settlement completely fails to deliver the resources required to meet demand in Cleveland and falls far short of what is needed.”
Limited response from central government
Storey has sent multiple letters to government ministers seeking clarity about the funding decisions but has yet to receive a response. He criticised the decision to redistribute funds from Cleveland to other forces, describing it as "deeply unfair" and "irresponsible."
Despite surpassing recruitment targets and investing in neighbourhood policing, Cleveland Police faces ongoing challenges from the outdated funding framework that does not adequately account for crime rates or deprivation levels.