Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to outline a major push to increase police presence in town centres across England and Wales, with new dedicated patrol teams operating during peak times.
The initiative, which forms part of the Labour government’s pledge to tackle crime and restore public confidence in law enforcement, aims to combat what Starmer describes as a “postcode lottery” in policing. Under the plan, every community will be assigned specialist neighbourhood officers, with the government targeting the recruitment of 13,000 additional officers by 2029.
Starmer is expected to highlight how visible policing has declined in recent years, with up to 90% of crimes going unsolved. He will argue that shoplifting and anti-social behaviour have taken a toll on communities, and that the government is committed to putting “prevention back at the heart of policing.”
The move comes amid financial strain within police forces, with the National Police Chiefs Council warning of a potential £1.3 billion funding gap over the next two years. Some forces have already indicated that they may need to cut officer numbers.
To help address immediate concerns, the Home Office announced a £100 million boost for neighbourhood policing earlier this year. However, critics say this is not enough.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the government, blaming Labour’s national insurance rise for a projected £118 million shortfall that could put over 1,800 police jobs at risk. He argued that Labour must ensure police forces have adequate funding if they are to deliver on their promises.
Labour’s neighbourhood policing strategy includes targeted patrols in “hotspot” areas during peak hours particularly Friday and Saturday nights along with the introduction of an anti-social behaviour lead in every force. These officers will work with residents and businesses to develop localised action plans.
Police forces will retain operational independence, with each deciding what constitutes peak time in their area.
The Liberal Democrats welcomed the focus on policing but said the real test would be in the plan’s delivery. Lisa Smart, the party’s home affairs spokesperson, warned against shifting the financial burden onto local taxpayers. “The government must fix this fully by properly funding the officers our communities need not passing the buck,” she said.
Reform UK also weighed in, saying they supported increased front-line policing but criticised forces for diverting resources to non-operational roles. A spokesperson said: “Forces have wasted millions employing diversity and inclusion staff instead of focusing on real policing.”
For more political updates and analysis, visit London Pulse News.
