Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen said:
“The news that Cumbria will be receiving double the initial proposed funding from the Home Office for Neighbourhood Policing that was announced in December 2024 is welcomed.
“Cumbria will now receive almost £1.7million extra from the Government as part of their Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This is a clear boost to our local approach to policing and very much needed if we are to ensure Cumbria Constabulary continues to be one of the best forces in the country.
“Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) are vital, they are the bedrock on which we base our policing system and are a key component in ensuring trust and confidence in policing as a whole. This boost, alongside the recently released Cumbria Constabulary Neighbourhood Policing Pledge shows that Cumbria are committed to a locally based problem solving approach to policing.
"It is clear that the government are listening to calls to put more visible police on the streets and this is what I have consistently called for as your Commissioner. Cumbria Constabulary is being handed a financial boost which is ringfenced for neighbourhood policing – one that will help deliver my Police, Fire and Crime Plan for Cumbria - Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner - Plan 2025 - 2029.
“I am currently awaiting further detail from the Home Office in respect of the funding and its use, but I look forward to working closely with the Chief Constable, Rob Carden, to see what this looks like operationally across Cumbria. I will, of course, be providing the public with updates on how this work progresses as we continue to protect Cumbria.
“This is incredibly good news and will help officers deter, prevent and respond to crimes in our communities and with our communities – visible policing helps to strengthen confidence in policing and the criminal justice system.
“To be clear though, this is just the start point, money, budgets and resources are still incredibly stretched after years of austerity. What this does mean though, is that we can do more, now. We can and will continue to work hard to provide the best police force we can, providing good value for money but also a safe environment for our residents to live, thrive and grow in."