SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, has challenged his political opponents across Midlothian and East Lothian to get behind plans that will hand Scotland’s police force an extra £37 million.
Last week, the SNP Government outlined its 2020/21 budget that also promises a further £6.5 million for community justice interventions as part of efforts to reduce reoffending rates – while investing capital funding of nearly £70 million for the prisons estate. The Scottish Government has now exceeded its previous commitment to protect the police resource budget in real terms in every year of this Parliament – ensuring Police Scotland have the money to maintain officer numbers at current levels. Under the SNP, we have recruited an additional 1,000 police officers and have a higher number of officers than at any time during the previous Labour-Lib Dem administration. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “The Scottish Government’s plans will offer an additional £37 million for the police resource budget while investing £6.5 million to directly tackle reoffending rates. “The work of our local police force across our community is invaluable. “Our police officers are some of the most heroic and dedicated public servants – I am urging MSPs from across Midlothian and East Lothian to get behind plans that deliver for them.” Chief Constable of Police Scotland Iain Livingstone has also welcomed the announcement, commenting: “I have made our financial situation clear in recent weeks and I welcome the package announced by the Scottish Government today. "The creation of a single national service has enabled responsive and visible local policing to be maintained and transformed how we deal with serious crime and major incidents.”
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