By 1919 staff
Police Scotland has been handed an extra £56.5 million for day-to-day spending next year in the draft budget unveiled by the Scottish Government.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison (pictured above) came close to meeting the demands made by force bosses.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said the proposed funding would enable her to maintain a “maximum officer establishment of 16,600”.
Scottish Police Authority (SPA) chair Martyn Evans also welcomed the announcement.
The budget must now pass through the parliamentary process by the end of February, and the SNP minority administration requires other parties to either back it or abstain.
The total policing budget in the draft plans has been set at £1.621 billion, which is up £69.5 million (4.48 per cent) on 2024/25.
The bulk of this is for day-to-day revenue spending, up by £56.5 million from £1.419 billion to £1.476 billion.
Capital spending for equipment and buildings has also increased significantly in percentage terms from £64.6 million to £75 million – up £10.4 million.
Prior to the draft budget, Police Scotland asked for an extra £59 million in revenue cash and £18 million extra for capital projects.
The force may still have to grapple with the extra costs of employer National Insurance, which was included in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ UK-wide budget.
Chief Constable Farrell said: “I welcome the continued support for our second phase of police reform to deliver safer communities, less crime, supported victims and a thriving workforce.
“The budget proposal enables policing to maintain a maximum officer establishment of 16,600 as we develop a sustainable and effective operating model and modernised workforce which prioritises our frontline and delivers for the people of Scotland.
“We will progress key improvements including the roll out of body worn video and enhanced capabilities to keep people safe in the digital space.
“I welcome the improved capital allowance which will support us to progress our 10-year estate plan, and we will continue to discuss necessary borrowing permissions and multi-year funding with government.”
“The budget proposal enables policing to maintain a maximum officer establishment of 16,600 as we develop a sustainable and effective operating model and modernised workforce”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell
SPA chair Evans added: “The Scottish Police Authority welcomes the budget proposed for policing by the Scottish Government.
“This allocation would support the roll out of a new and sustainable model for policing in the year ahead.
“The budget proposes a total revenue uplift of £56.5 million for policing in 2025/26 which meets substantially the revenue ask the authority and Police Scotland set out to parliament in October.”
He continued: “Importantly the budget proposed includes a capital allocation of £75 million which represents an increase in funding of £10.5 million to help us improve and transform our estate and IT infrastructure.”
Unveiling the draft budget, Shona Robison said: “We will invest almost £4.2 billion across the justice system in 2025/26.
“This will maintain police numbers and continue policies that have seen levels of crime fall by 40 per cent since we came to office.
“And I know from speaking to Justice Secretary Angela Constance that a particular area of concern to retailers at the moment is shoplifting.
“Once again, we have listened, and we are acting – that’s why I am making an additional £3 million available to help tackle retail crime.”
A total of £881.1 million has been allocated for prisons, including £347 million for the prison estate to deliver HMP Glasgow and HMP Highland.
There are also increases in the budget for community justice, which has risen to £92.2 million, and £48.1 million for the justiciary.
Funding for the Scottish Government’s national mission on drugs stayed flat at £60 million.