The table shows the sources of the police budget measured in millions of pounds, and the pie charts depict how the funds were allocated in percentages in one region in England between 2017 and 2018.
Overall, there was a notable increase in the total police fund, with national government remaining the primary funding source. Salaries consistently constituted the majority of the expenditure, although technology saw the most significant growth in spending.
In term of funding, the national government contributed the highest amount in both years, rising from 175.5 in 2017 to 177.8 in 2018. Local taxes also saw a substantial increase, from 91.2 to 102.3, becoming the major driver of the overall budget growth. Other minor sources, including grants, slightly grew by 0.5, reaching 38.5 in 2018. Altogether, the total police funding rose from 304.7 to 318.6 over the two-year period.
As for spending, the distribution of officers’ and staff salaries, while still the largest category, decreased by 6 to 69 in 2018. Investment in technology nearly doubled, growing from 8 to 14, indicating a shift in priorities. Spending on buildings and transport remained constant at 17 in both years.