Government defends No 10 North amid policing concerns

56 minutes ago

Declan CareyLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — Number 10 North is part of Prime Minister Andy Burham's plan to bring the government closer to the communities it serves

Reuters Prime Minister Andy Burham dressed in a black suit and tie. He stands in front of a union flag and a sign saying Number 10 North. He is smiling. — Number 10 North is part of Prime Minister Andy Burham's plan to bring the government closer to the communities it serves

The government has defended Number 10 North after concerns were raised about the cost of policing the prime minister's Manchester office.

Greater Manchester deputy mayor Kate Green said the office was placing "significant additional demands" on the force, which is facing a predicted budget overspend of almost £10m this year.

The government said police force funding was at a "historic high" and GMP has had a £33.3m rise.

Andy Burnham said the branch of Downing Street in Manchester will form part of the Prime Minister's aim to shift power from Whitehall and Westminster to regions.

Green said GMP's financial position was "not unexpected" after what she described as a "poor funding settlement" from the government, rather than poor financial management locally.

The deputy mayor added: "Some of the pressures are new and arise out of the arrival of Number 10 North in the city region, which is of course very welcome, but I'm sure you can appreciate the significant additional demands that's placing on Greater Manchester Police just across Albert Square."

Andy Burnham chairing the first meeting of the NEC at Number 10 North in Manchester in July. — Andy Burnham has said Number 10 North will "oversee the biggest rebalancing of power our country has ever seen"

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the Home Office about GMP's finances given the extra demands of Number 10 North.

A government spokesperson said Number 10 North was "central" to the Prime Minister's commitment to devolution.

"Police force funding this year is at a historic high of £18.5bn, with Greater Manchester Police seeing a cash increase of £33.3m."

The spokesperson said security arrangements for the prime minister were an operational matter for the police, and that GMP's most recent financial settlement from the government was announced before Number 10 North was set up.

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