Petition Reduce police funding by £1 billion per year and fund crime prevention instead

It should use this money to fund local authorities and support services which help to prevent crime – specifically mental health first responders, services for homeless people, substance abuse programs, food access, workforce development, and victim support.

Some of the main causes of crime in the UK are poverty, alcohol addiction, and drug abuse. In 2020-21, police funding for England and Wales was £15.88 billion. By reallocating just £1 billion each year, the Government could fund community programmes to support those in poverty and those struggling with addiction, we could prevent crime. Evidence shows that increasing police funding does not necessarily lower crime rates, but reducing poverty does.