Public ‘at risk’ unless policing budget grows, Federation warns

The SPF has told MSPs that “goodwill cannot sustain a national service”.

The evidence to Holyrood’s criminal justice committee, published in 1919 Magazine today (October 7), comes after Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell appealed for “urgent support”, with a request for an extra £138.6 million in 2026/27 to strengthen the front line.

This would provide funding for 850 officers and 348 staff.

For the current financial year, the Scottish government provided an increase of £90 million – and the administration has said it will “continue to work with Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority [SPA] to understand their 2026/27 budget requirements”.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison is due to unveil her draft budget in January, which is later than normal because it must come after the UK budget is announced in late November.

SPF general secretary David Kennedy said: “Policing is unique among public services. Officers cannot strike or withdraw their labour.

“This places a moral obligation on government to ensure that they are fairly paid, properly equipped, and sufficiently staffed to keep the public safe.

“While the justice system is interconnected, in our view it is policing that is under the most acute pressure, and without investment in the police service, the wider justice system cannot function.”

He added: “Policing in Scotland is at a crossroads. The combination of falling officer numbers, real terms pay cuts, rising demand, and underinvestment in capital budgets has created an unsustainable situation.

“The 2026/27 budget must mark a turning point. It must stabilise the workforce, deliver pay fairness, invest in estates, IT, fleet and equipment, support officer wellbeing, and recognise that the police cannot continue to carry the burden of failures elsewhere.

“Officers remain committed to serving their communities. But goodwill cannot sustain a national service. Without meaningful investment, the risk to public safety is real and growing.”

Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill told 1919: “This is a truly stark warning from police chiefs in Scotland, who have for years sounded the alarm about falling officer numbers and the condition of the Police Scotland estate.

“The reality is that the SNP has hollowed out Police Scotland over recent years, forcing officers and staff to go above and beyond to paper over the cracks.

“Meanwhile, police stations are being shut across the country in a desperate bid to make savings, leaving communities without a visible police presence on their streets which helps make people feel safe.

“The SNP cannot keep playing fast and loose with the safety of our communities.”