The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answers on 18th March 2021:
The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the difference in funding per head for police services in (1) urban, and (2) rural, areas; and what steps they are taking to reduce any such difference.
Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con, Home Office): On the 4th February 2021, the Government published a total police funding settlement of up to £15.8 billion in 2021/22, an increase of up to £636 million compared to 2020/21. This continued investment shows the Government is committed to supporting the entire policing sector.
The police funding formula remains the most reliable mechanism we have to distribute core grant funding although this Government is alive to the concerns many in the policing sector hold over the current formula and we acknowledge that the current arrangements are out of date. Careful consideration will be given during the upcoming Spending Review and as part of our longer-term vision for policing.
The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to encourage tourism in rural areas, and (2) to revitalise local rural economies.
Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con, DEFRA): The Prime Minister set out in the Reopening Roadmap published on 22 February the Government’s intention to publish a Tourism Recovery Plan in Spring. We are working with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ensure tourism in rural areas is embraced and rural organisations are consulted.
We work closely with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that plans to revitalise local economies take into account the needs of rural economies. The UK Levelling Up Fund prospectus sets out how the Fund will help invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets. The UK Community Renewal Fund will support innovative responses to local challenges and local needs in urban, rural and coastal areas across the UK, to help local areas prepare for the introduction of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from 2022.
The Church of England in Parliament 
You must be logged in to post a comment.