Funding crisis for Lincolnshire Police a talking point in Westminster

Sir Edward Leigh, the Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough constituency, has raised questions with ministers on the issues of funding shortfalls in the area.

Speaking to the Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice on Monday, Sir Edward said: “Lincolnshire Police are in crisis for want of a mere £3 million to £4 million.

“In my area of 600 square miles, there is barely one police car on duty through the night. This is a crisis: £3 million would be a drop in the ocean compared with what we spend on international development, so will my right hon. Friend persuade the Chancellor to transfer just a little money to us? Charity begins at home.”

Sir Edward also made a point of raising his concerns further with the Secretary of State for International Development on Wednesday.

Sir Edward argued that value for money in government spending would come from investing more in the provision of vital services in rural communities.

He said: “I am sure the Secretary of State will want to give an explanation for how she will ensure value for money in her Department.

“May I give her one project for which I could ensure value for money, where it takes four to five weeks to see a doctor, the roads are filled with potholes and the police are in crisis? I refer, of course, to that tribe inhabiting the frozen plains of the north, the Lincolnshire yellowbellies.”