The chief constable of Police Scotland has raised concerns that an increase in national insurance contributions could make it difficult to maintain the current number of officers. Jo Farrell, speaking at a Scottish Police Authority (SPA) meeting on Thursday, said that “very few levers” remain to achieve savings without reducing workforce numbers.
Employer national insurance contributions are set to rise to 15% in April. The Scottish Government estimates this will cost businesses an average of £850 per employee and impact public sector budgets. Farrell stressed that unless these costs are fully covered, it will be impossible to sustain the force’s target of 16,600 officers.
Financial Struggles Deepen
Police Scotland is facing significant financial pressure. The force is required to find £9 million in efficiencies despite nearly 90% of its revenue being allocated to workforce costs. Several factors are contributing to the challenging financial situation:
- The upcoming national insurance hike.
- Pay award costs for officers and staff.
- Expenses tied to the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh.
The force has already been operating under tight financial constraints, saving £200 million annually compared to the previous eight regional forces that existed before its creation.
Recruitment May Be Impacted
The financial strain has led Police Scotland to “review our recruitment profile for the coming financial year,” Farrell told the board. The Scottish Government has signaled that it may cover only 50% of the increased national insurance costs. Without full support, recruitment plans could suffer.
She emphasized that in December, there was a commitment to maintain officer numbers at 16,600, but warned: “A key component of that position was the requirement that over £25 million of additional national insurance costs are fully funded – this continues to be the case.”
Staffing Levels at Risk
Police officer numbers had hit a historic low in March 2024, with just 16,356 full-time equivalent (FTE) officers – the lowest figure since September 2008. Since then, numbers have risen back to 16,600. But with 86% of revenue already allocated to pay, further cuts seem inevitable if funding isn’t secured.
Farrell said the force is “turning over every rock to achieve further efficiencies,” highlighting the difficulty of reducing spending without directly affecting officer numbers.
SPA Pushes for More Support
SPA chief executive Lynn Brown echoed Farrell’s concerns, saying that “reform has got to be rewarded.” She argued that failing to fully cover the national insurance hike contradicts this principle. “Reform was not rewarded,” she stated bluntly.
Beyond staffing concerns, the SPA meeting also discussed financial pressures from outsourcing toxicology services. Officials stressed the need for a “long-term sustainable model” to manage drug-driving cases, an area that continues to strain resources.
The coming months will be critical for Police Scotland as it navigates these financial hurdles. Without full national insurance funding, the force could face tough decisions that affect recruitment and overall service delivery
