HARLOW MP, Robert Halfon welcomed the Government’s £450 million increase for police funding. Police funding in Essex could increase by £8.8 million in 2018/19 as a result of these changes.

The counter terrorism policing budget will also rise by 7 per cent, with a £50 million increase taking it to at least £757 million, and £130 million extra for national policing priorities. The Government is now spending more on counter terrorism policing than ever before.

Robert Halfon said:

“The most important responsibility of Government is keeping our country and people safe. Throughout the year, I have had meetings and regular contact with Chief Inspector Matt Cornish, the District Commander for our area, and the Chair of Essex Police Federation. We have discussed crime levels in our town and villages and how we can work together to better support our police service.

Though there is still a lot more to do, crime has fallen by more than a third across the country over the past seven years. However, if you have been a victim of crime yourself, then I know this won’t make you feel any safer. That is why the Government is putting in this additional investment to help Essex Police keep Harlow and the surrounding villages safe.”