Opposition Day Debate: Policing

Proposals for reform of the police and police funding in England and Wales have been controversial with arguments over the potential impact this will have on police numbers and crime rates.

Police officer numbers in the forces in England and Wales are now at their lowest since 1987.

The existing arrangements for police funding have been criticised as being complex and lacking transparency. In July 2015, the Government issued a consultation on the reform of police funding in England and Wales. The consultation is available to view on GOV.UK: Reforming police funding arrangements in England and Wales

This debate pack is designed to provide some of the background and links to useful information in preparation for the debate. The proceedings of this debate may be watched on parliamentlive.tv

Debate packs are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issues being debated and identify any relevant briefings including press and parliamentary material. A more detailed briefing may be prepared for a Member on request to the Library.