Starmer Unveils Plan to Boost Neighbourhood Policing Across England and Wales

Labour's initiative includes 13,000 new officers, mandatory peak-time patrols, and a named officer for every community, aiming to combat rising crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Labour government has announced a neighbourhood policing guarantee to address escalating shoplifting and antisocial behaviour in communities.
The plan includes recruiting 13,000 additional police officers by 2029 and assigning a named, contactable officer to every neighbourhood.
Police forces will be required to conduct mandatory patrols during peak times, such as Friday and Saturday nights in town centres and hotspot areas.
Accountability measures tie government funding to police forces meeting patrol commitments, with HM Inspectorate of Police tasked with oversight.
Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, warn of potential funding shortfalls due to increased employer National Insurance contributions, risking police job stability.