Police investment could generate £13bn boost for businesses, report claims
A report commissioned by the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser has claimed that increased investment in policing could generate billions of pounds in economic benefits for businesses.
The research, published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), suggests every £1 invested in policing generates around £10.70 in economic value for businesses, while a ten per cent increase in community policing could deliver around £13 billion in net economic benefits over three years.
The study argues that crime suppresses economic growth by discouraging investment, reducing productivity and making it harder for businesses to survive. It found businesses in areas with the highest crime levels have only a 19 per cent chance of surviving for ten years, compared with 45 per cent in the lowest crime areas. A ten per cent increase in neighbourhood crime was also associated with an estimated one per cent reduction in business output.
NPCC chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said the findings demonstrated that policing was “the foundation of thriving communities”.
He said: “When crime falls, businesses grow, investment follows and local economies prosper. At a time when government is focused on growth, this report shows that with the right investment and modernisation of policing, we can create the conditions for businesses, households and communities to succeed.”
Police Chief Scientific Adviser Paul Taylor said the research, carried out by the University of Birmingham, provided “robust evidence” of the link between public safety and economic prosperity, adding that sustained investment in policing was critical to supporting local communities and the Government’s wider economic growth agenda.
The report builds on research published last year which concluded that increases in crime are linked to falling house prices, with the NPCC arguing the combined studies provide the clearest picture yet of policing’s wider economic value.