'Unprecedented' level of police officers resigning

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that West Yorkshire Police are spending millions of pounds on officers working overtime.

The total amount of overtime paid out by the Force to its police officers has grown by over £3 million in a two-year period.

In 2020/21, £13,095,064 was paid out, and that figure grew to £16,729,010 in 2022/23.

Chair of the West Yorkshire Police Federation Craig Nicholls QGM says it is utterly appalling that the force is expected to deliver on a "shoestring".

The Home Office says West Yorkshire Police's funding will be up to £615.5 million in 2024/25, an increase of up to £40.7 million when compared to 2023/24.

Craig Nicholls QGM, Chair of West Yorkshire Police Federation Mr Nicholls said: "Over the last decade, whilst the current Government have been in power, the systematic erosion of policing has been plain to see.

"It's utterly appalling that West Yorkshire Police and nationally we are expected to deliver effective policing to communities on a shoestring, there are simply not enough police officers.

"Demand grows year on year and the lack of resources means we are stretched, but this is not a surprise anymore, the current Government have not focused on long-term funding, that would see increased sustainability for policing, officer numbers that would grow, we have an unprecedented level of officers resigning which is overtaking retirements."

He added: "Nationally we need at least 80,000 increase to policing and extra funding.
"Officers on overtime do not routinely want the overtime, exigencies of duty mean that they are being ordered to stay on due to the volume of work and the lack of resources that are available.

"Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not a realistic and sustainable way to run policing and I understand that Chief Constables make incredibly difficult decisions on budgets, their hands are being tied to some degree.

"The increase in overtime means extra pay but what it also means more worryingly is that police officers are tired, exhausted and run down, they are stretched during their working shifts and missing important life events in their loved ones' lives."

The Home Office says it is up to Police and Crime Commissioners to determine how to allocate the resources they are provided with.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority responded by saying over the past 13 years, West Yorkshire Police has seen funding from the Home Office reduce by 17 per cent in real terms.

They also add that they have a £18 million shortfall in the police budget in 2025.

Mayor Tracy Brabin has called on ministers to introduce a "fair long-term funding solution" so that forces like West Yorkshire can continue to deliver "excellent policing services to our communities".

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are giving the police the resources they need to tackle crime, and through our police recruitment campaign we have fulfilled our commitment to recruit 20,000 additional police officers. 

“However, it is up to Police and Crime Commissioners to determine how to allocate resources and West Yorkshire Police's funding will be up to £615.5 million in 2024/25, an increase of up to £40.7 million when compared to 2023/24.”

A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “Dedicated West Yorkshire police officers and staff are working hard to ensure those who live, work, and visit our region are kept safe. 

“Despite a backdrop of rising costs and underfunding, the Mayor’s pledge to recruit 750 new officers and staff is on track to be achieved, and the force has received Outstanding grading in several areas in the latest police efficiency, effectiveness, and legitimacy (PEEL) report. 

“However, the reality is that over the past 13 years, West Yorkshire Police has seen funding from the Home Office reduce by 17% in real terms, and we’re facing an £18 million shortfall in the police budget in 2025.

“The Mayor has called on ministers to introduce a fair, long-term funding solution so that forces like West Yorkshire can continue to deliver excellent policing services to our communities.” 

The Telegraph & Argus did approach West Yorkshire Police for a comment.