A LEADING figure in Sussex Police has praised the Government after it announced a boost of more than a billion pounds for forces across the country.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the money could be used to recruit thousands more officers as well as addressing “serious violence and the scourge of county lines”.

Funding for police forces will increase by more than £1.1 billion in 2020/21, of which £8.702 million will come from Government grants, the Home Office said.

The total amount of funding available for the year could reach £15.2 billion – if police and crime commissioners ask council tax payers again to stump up extra cash to pay for services.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the announcement would mean “more officers tackling the crime blighting our streets, so people can feel safe in their communities”,

Ms Bourne said: “We need to focus on bringing crime down so this settlement means that PCCs can invest more into policing to tackle crime and keeping our communities safe.

“The Government quite clearly remains committed to its pledge to recruit an additional 20,000 officers with funding for 6,000 officers by March next year included in this year’s grant.

“I am also delighted to see £150 million for the fight against organised crime and a £39 million fund to address serious violence and the scourge of county lines.”

She said she had been told by Sussex residents that they were willing to pay higher council tax rates to “strengthen local policing” and “support our successful programme to divert young people from violence and antisocial behaviour”.

Ms Bourne said this additional funding would bolster existing work being carried out by Sussex Police in this area. She also detailed plans to recruit further officers in Sussex in the next year.

She said: “Thanks to increased levels of precept contributions, Sussex Police will have 100 extra PCSOs by March this year and 50 more specialist staff. It is also on target to recruit 250 additional police officers by 2023.

“Now we know how much funding Sussex Police is getting from the Government, we know how much I need to ask for in the precept from households in the county.

“I am launching a snap survey on a proposed increase of 20 pence a week.”

The poll will go live today and will then close at midday on January 30.