Thames Valley police, which serves Buckingham constituency, is set to receive an additional £26.1m in its funding next year, thanks to the Government’s increase to police budgets.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced policing will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22 – an increase of £636 million on last year. This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, delivering on the promise made by the Conservatives in last year’s General Election. Thames Valley has already benefited from an additional 260 officers.

Funding will also be used to bolster counter-terrorism policing, including money for armed policing and more officers.

The Conservative Government has been determined to support the police throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as officers have worked tirelessly to keep communities safe. The Government has provided £30 million to help forces step up coronavirus enforcement and has reimbursed forces for additional PPE purchased between March and July.

Welcoming the funding, Greg said: “Officers and staff at Thames Valley have been instrumental in keeping our community safe this year, and I pay tribute to them for their hard work and professionalism.

“I am delighted to see Thames Valley getting an additional £26.1m next year. I was proud to be elected last year on a promise to get more officers onto the streets and to ensure our police have what they need to keep us safe.

“This Conservative Government is now doing exactly that – ensuring we build back safer as we recover from coronavirus.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “We have asked more of the police than ever before during the coronavirus pandemic – the British people and I are extremely grateful for their dedication.

“I am absolutely committed to giving the police the resources they need – this funding package delivers on that,” she added.