£1.6bn investment for policing announced in Scottish Budget
Policing will receive £1.62 billion in 2025/26 to support capacity and capability as part of a £4.2 billion investment across the justice system announced in the Scottish Budget.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison said this will “maintain police numbers and continue policies that have seen levels of crime fall by 40 per cent”.
She is also making an additional £3 million available to help tackle retail crime.
Martyn Evans, chair of the Scottish Police Authority, welcomed the proposed budget for policing by the Scottish government.
He said: “This allocation would support the roll-out of a new and sustainable model for policing in the year ahead.
“The Budget proposes a total revenue uplift of £56.5 million for policing in 2025/26, which meets substantially the revenue ask the Authority and Police Scotland set out to Parliament in October.
“In addition to the proposed revenue allocation, the Authority expects the cost of the employers’ national insurance increase for 2025/26, representing £25.3 million, to be funded fully.
“Importantly the Budget proposed includes a capital allocation of £75 million, which represents an increase in funding of £10.5 million to help us improve and transform our estate and IT infrastructure.”
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “I welcome the continued support for our second phase of police reform to deliver safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce.
“It remains vital additional £25.3 million national insurance costs are fully funded.
“The Budget proposal enables policing to maintain a maximum officer establishment of 16,600 as we develop a sustainable and effective operating model and modernised workforce which prioritises our frontline and delivers for the people of Scotland.
“We will progress key improvements including the roll-out of body-worn video and enhanced capabilities to keep people safe in the digital space.
“I welcome the improved capital allowance, which will support us to progress our ten-year estate plan, and we will continue to discuss necessary borrowing permissions and multi-year funding with government.”
The proposed Budget will now be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny and is expected to be voted on in February 2025.