PCC reacts to new Home Secretary's first speech

In reaction to the Home Secretary’s speech to the Police Federation conference in Birmingham, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said:
“I welcome the change of tone from the Home Secretary, but as well as warm words we need an increase in resources.
 
“Warm words are all well and good, but they won’t ease the huge issues police forces face. Nor will they do anything to halt the increase in crime going on in the West Midlands and around the country. There was no specific commitment to increase police funding. There was also no commitment that funding will be focused on the areas that need it most, like the West Midlands.
 
“West Midlands Police needs £22 million just to stand still. This year we faced real terms cuts in funding again. The government now needs to step up and make the tough choices to put that funding where the threat from crime is greatest.
 
“Pushing Commissioners to increase council tax to part fund the gap, whilst freezing the government grant, isn’t fair or sustainable to do each and every year.
 
“In the West Midlands we have introduced innovative schemes to tackle the rise in crime as well as making efficiency savings. We could be doing much more if we had the proper level of funding for an area like the West Midlands.”