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South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes calls for funding formula review, arguing constituents are ‘concerned’ about potential loss of 200 Lincolnshire Police officers




An MP has called for the Government to review its police funding, arguing residents are ‘concerned’ about losing 200 officers in the county.

Lincolnshire Police currently has a budget gap of £14 million which could lead to the force having to make drastic cuts.

Among the money saving options would be to slash the number of officers by around 200, bringing the total down to 1,000 by 2028-29, as well as cancelling next month’s upcoming officer intake.

Sir John Hayes - Conservative Party candidate PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Sir John Hayes - Conservative Party candidate PHOTO: SUPPLIED

In light of this news, Sir John Hayes (Con) says it is time for a ‘long-term sustainable funding solution’ for the county’s force to avoid ‘drastic measures affecting front line policing’.

In a letter to Minister of State for Policing Dame Diana Johnson, the South Holland and the Deepings MP has demanded the Government scrap the ‘outdated data’ by which it allocates funding.

“I was glad to hear discussion of the funding formula, and so request a review of the formula in order to provide a long-term sustainable funding solution for forces such as Lincolnshire,” he states.

Police officers. Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Police officers. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

“As you'll know, l've long called for a revision of the formula so that Lincolnshire gets a fairer settlement, having made the case to successive ministers - Conservative and Labour.

“Lincolnshire has consistently been the lowest-funded force in the country, with the lowest number of police officers per head of the population.

“The current formula arises from outdated data which is no longer relevant to the delivery of policing, and the challenge made harder by the size and rurality of the county.”

Sir John added: “My constituents, understandably, are very concerned about any cuts to front line services,” the letter continued.

“Lincolnshire Police Force has made clear that the 2025/2026 settlement largely covers inflationary cost pressures only.

“As such, I would welcome an urgent response about what additional support might be available for Lincolnshire so that drastic measures affecting front line policing do not need to be taken.

“I also request a review of the funding formula to provide a lasting, long-term solution.”



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