Kent Liberal Democrats slam exaggerated Tory boasts on Kent police funding as ‘smoke and mirrors’

Kent Liberal Democrats have attacked local Conservative boasts about police funding as "smoke and mirrors" that dress up a potential Council Tax rise as if it were extra funding from the Government.

Local Conservatives have claimed that "Kent Police is set to receive an additional 19.5 million in its funding, thanks to the Conservative Government's increase to police budgets." However, detailed Home Office figures reveal that the Government is only giving Kent Police an extra £10.1 million for the financial year 2021-22.

The Conservative figures assume that the local Police and Crime Commissioner will raise the extra £9.4 million through a £15 increase in the Council Tax precept.

Graham Colley who has been selected by Kent Liberal Democrats stand as their Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent And Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Kent police and security issues, said: "Too many people feel unsafe in their own homes and walking down their own streets. Our police are overstretched, and many parts of Kent see no visible policing.

"The Conservatives are desperate to seem tough on crime, but are failing to do enough to actually prevent crime. Their unnecessary cuts to police numbers and youth services contributed to the rise in violent crime. And now the Tories are exaggerating the funding they are providing. People in Kent deserve better."

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said: "The Tories' boasts about police funding are nothing but smoke and mirrors. At a time when our police are under enormous pressure, Priti Patel has abrogated her responsibility and passed the buck to local police chiefs. It's just not good enough. The Government must give forces the funding they need to restore proper community policing and make us all safer."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Full details of police funding by force area for 2020-21 and 2021-22 can be found in Table 3 of the 'Provisional Police Grant Report England And Wales 2021/22 Tables', here.

The actual increases in funding for each force are set out in this spreadsheet.