Question
Given Minister Murphy’s statement today that he has no legal route to bring forward a Budget without reference to the Executive what is the Chief Constable’s assessment of the budgetary implications for the PSNI?
Answer from PSNI
The Draft Budget covers a period of three years and provided a basis for longer term planning. However, our assessment of the Draft Budget identified pressures of £226m covering the next three years (£59m, £75m and £92m).
Without the legal basis to bring forward an agreed Budget, it is likely that a single year Budget will be allocated for 2022-23, based on the current year baseline i.e. 2021-22. Importantly, our current Budget baseline does not take into account the significant in-year monitoring/non-recurrent funding allocations, which in 2021-22 came to £40m or 5% of our total budget and contributed towards maintaining headcount. As a result, regardless of an allocation based on the Draft Budget or the baseline this year, the financial pressure for 2022-23 would still be £59m. This structural deficit, therefore, remains the key funding issue and continues to be the focus of our attention.
The lack of an agreed Budget also introduces more uncertainty and increases the likelihood of a delay in notified Budget limits and a more short term view. These circumstances will only hinder decision making and constrain the options available.
The ongoing support of the Board would be welcome in securing additional funding and addressing the shortfall before any Final Budget is agreed, whenever that might be.