On the 5th November in Westminster Hall, I addressed the urgent issue of police funding, focusing on the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Despite the dedication and commitment of our officers, the funding figures reveal an unsettling reality. The PSNI has faced underfunding since 2010, putting immense strain on its ability to serve and protect effectively.
This funding crisis is not an isolated issue. While the Northern Ireland block grant has grown nearly 50% since 2010/11, reaching around £14.2 billion in 2023/24, the PSNI budget has declined from £903 million to £892 million. In contrast, health spending has risen by 89%, and the justice budget by 8%. Yet, amidst rising challenges, PSNI funding has been cut by 3%. Such a reduction is indefensible given the current demands on the police.
The debate saw all Unionist parties united in highlighting the shared concern for Northern Ireland’s policing. During the discussion, I directly challenged the Justice Minister to explain why community safety and police funding aren’t treated as top priorities. His approach has fallen short, and it’s clear that immediate action is necessary.
Neighbourhood policing in Northern Ireland is in decline, response times for non-emergency calls are lengthening, and enquiry offices are closing. This results in a stretched, under-resourced force that cannot support partner organisations or investigate crimes effectively. In my own constituency of North Down, we face the unacceptable reality of lacking a fully operational, full-time police station. This exacerbates community concerns and reduces the level of available support. A visible, accessible police presence is crucial to public trust and safety, yet it is increasingly out of reach.
The PSNI currently has around 4,500 deployable officers, and with an attrition rate of 40 officers per month, the situation is deteriorating. By March 2025, the PSNI could have fewer than 6,000 officers—well below the 7,500 recommended by the Patten Commission. This is not just a staffing issue; it is a public safety crisis. Immediate funding is essential to support the PSNI’s business case, which seeks to bring the force up to 7,000 officers and 2,572 staff over the next few years. Additionally, the PSNI needs funding to train and deploy an extra 1,000 officers to respond effectively to community needs.
The national security implications of this crisis cannot be ignored. Organised crime, which costs the UK an estimated £47 billion each year, is a particular challenge in Northern Ireland, where roughly a third of organised crime groups have paramilitary links. The PSNI’s organised crime unit dedicates 30% of its resources to tackling these threats, which affect Northern Ireland communities significantly. 40% of adults and 45% of young people report feeling the influence of paramilitarism.
In light of these urgent needs, I fully support the Chief Constable in his call to the Prime Minister for additional funding for the PSNI. However, any extra funding provided must be ringfenced specifically for the PSNI. Simply allocating funds to the Northern Ireland Executive without clear conditions could lead to resources being diverted elsewhere. Ringfencing will ensure that these funds are used solely to support and strengthen the PSNI.
The current funding allocation is insufficient, hindering the PSNI’s ability to fulfil its duties and maintain public confidence. A comprehensive review of the PSNI’s funding is urgently needed, as is closing the £37 million funding gap and raising the baseline budget to establish sustainable funding.
Every day, PSNI officers put their lives on the line to protect the public. They deserve more than just gratitude; they need the resources required to perform their jobs effectively and safely. It’s time for the government to move beyond words and provide the tangible support necessary to ensure our police services are fully equipped.
The expectations on the PSNI cannot continue to grow while their funding shrinks. Ensuring they have the resources they need isn’t only about improving conditions for officers; it’s about safeguarding communities across Northern Ireland. The government must act now, recognising the unique challenges faced by Northern Ireland’s police and providing the financial support they need.
A strong, effective PSNI is essential to public safety and building trust with the community. Let’s show our officers the respect they deserve by equipping them to protect and serve Northern Ireland with the commitment they display every day.
A strong and effective PSNI is essential to public safety and must be properly funded
