Farron: Government Must Protect Cumbria Police

Tim Farron MP has today demanded that the government protect Cumbria Police, the force facing the largest reduction in funding under new proposals.

The Home Office is currently consulting on proposals to change the funding formula used to allocate policing funds, in a move which could see Cumbria Police lose up to £9.5m. This reduction of almost 16% would be the biggest percentage cut faced by any force in the country.

Six Police and Crime Commissioners, including Cumbria's Richard Rhodes, have written to the Home Office describing their proposals as "deeply flawed" and threatening legal action if the changes go ahead.

Tim Farron has followed up this call by writing to the government, urging them to listen to the concerns raised by the Police and Crime Commissioners, and to provide "a fair funding deal for rural police forces" including Cumbria.

Tim said: "I am extremely concerned by the government's proposals to slash the funding for policing in Cumbria.

It's time for the government to make a decision. Their choices will show whether they really care about rural communities, and are prepared to provide the necessary funds to keep them safe.

It is essential that the new funding formula takes into account the extra costs faced by rural forces such as Cumbria Police."