PSNI continues to face ‘significant financial challenges’, warns chief constable
The chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has warned that the prospect of a “worsening” financial position could have a “direct impact on headcount and services to communities”.
In his latest Accountability Report to the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB), Simon Byrne said the PSNI continues to face “significant financial challenges” in the current year.
“As at the end of July, our projected full year pressure has risen to £34 million,” he said. “This reflects recent developments not anticipated in our Resource Plan, that were based on a range of assumed funding streams and a programme of planned reductions.
“This includes the likelihood of an average five per cent pay award and ever increasing utility costs. These two issues alone make up £22m of the forecast financial gap.”
Mr Byrne added: “We are increasingly concerned about the financial gap, the lack of clarity on budgets and the shortening timeframe to take what limited mitigating actions are available.
“Whilst this is an issue shared by many public services, the Police Service asked the Department for direction as practical steps will need to be taken sooner rather than later.
“The prospect of going into next year in a similar or worsening position is alarming and this will undoubtedly have a direct impact on headcount and services to communities.”
Mr Byrne’s concerns come after the chair of the NIPB said officers may have to “prioritise responses to particular incidents” because of budgetary pressures.
In his foreword to the NIPB’s Annual Report and Accounts published last month, Doug Garrett, chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, said while the PSNI has a “significant resource” available to it, the board has concerns around “the ability of the service to meet policing demand in an environment where budgetary pressures will potentially result in a reduction in officer numbers”.
This is despite ‘New Decade New Approach’ commitments to an establishment of 7,500 officers, he said.
Mr Byrne has previously warned that the PSNI will need to “prioritise resources and work smarter” to meet a challenging financial situation that was of “significant concern”.
On Saturday, September 24, the PSNI is hosting an event at the Police College to celebrate 100 years of policing in Northern Ireland. The PSNI said the chief constable will be joined by “the extended police family, colleagues and partners to recognise this very significant milestone”. A programme of speakers, music, and outdoor displays will mark the occasion.
The following day (September 25), Northern Ireland will host the National Police Memorial Day in Belfast.
“This is an important date in the policing calendar where we will join with colleagues from across the UK to remember police officers who have been killed or died on duty and to recognise the dedication to duty and courage displayed by all police officers,” said Mr Byrne.