Firstly, I would like to thank all emergency service workers, who have worked tirelessly for the Island under very difficult circumstances, during the Coronavirus pandemic. The service these people provide is invaluable to our Island community and they have played an essential role in our fight against Covid-19.
Resourcing these services is a huge challenge, especially in the current climate, both in terms of financial resources and personnel resourcing.
I welcomed the news in 2020 of the planned increase in the number of Police Officers for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight following a recruitment campaign. An additional 156 Officers have been proposed for the Hants and IW Force, with an additional £26.1 million funding.
I have had feedback from some constituents raising an enquiry regarding the funding of the Fire Service. The Home Office has launched a £6 million Fire Coronavirus Contingency Fund which will help to support fire and rescue authorities who incur significant costs as a result of taking on additional duties during the coronavirus outbreak. It is estimated that Fire and Rescue Authorities will receive around £2.3 billion in 2020/2021.
The emergency services do a fantastic job in keeping us all safe and I thank them for all their hard work and efforts in supporting the Island community.