Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Monday, 23 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 31 October 2000. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 October 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement about his policy on policing in rural areas. - Including figures.

Answer: Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his policy on policing in rural areas. [134995] Mr. Charles Clarke: Our policy is to ensure that all areas of the country, urban and rural, benefit from a modern, effective and responsive police service and we are increasing funding for rural forces to take account of the additional costs associated with policing rural areas. The police funding formula includes a sparsity element which directly benefits rural forces and an extra £15 million from the Police Modernisation Fund has been allocated this year to 31 forces covering rural areas. This rises to £30 million from 2001-02. The forces concerned will be required to demonstrate real improvements in the policing of rural areas in return for the extra money.

Secondary information