Budget for Police Scotland ‘well below what is needed’, says SPF
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has warned that the Scottish government’s 2026/27 Budget leaves policing short of the investment required to keep communities safe, despite headline increases.
The draft Budget announced on Tuesday (January 13) includes an uplift of £90 million in revenue funding for Police Scotland, alongside increases to capital spending.
However, the SPF says these figures fall well below what is needed to stabilise officer numbers and meet rising demand.
General Secretary David Kennedy said: “Yes, there is a cash uplift – but in real terms policing continues to fall behind. Inflation, rising demand and workforce pressures mean the service is being asked to do more with less.
“We are already seeing the consequences; fewer officers on shift, slower response times, and less visible community policing.”
Police Scotland has previously stated that it would require £138.6 million simply to protect current staffing levels by funding 850 officers and 348 police staff – a figure significantly higher than the Budget’s uplift.
“A £90 million increase sounds substantial until you compare it with what policing actually needs. At its core, this Budget does not match the scale of the challenge,” said Mr Kennedy.
“Officers continue to hold the line on behalf of the public, but they cannot compensate for structural underfunding.”
The SPF is urging the Scottish government to establish a credible, long-term funding plan that protects welfare, rebuilds capacity, and ensures policing remains fit for purpose.
“If ministers want a police service that prevents crime, supports victims and responds when communities need it, they must fund policing at the level required – not the level hoped for,” Mr Kennedy said.