Dealing with an episode like Coronavirus is why we kept our reserves intact 

With events surrounding Coronavirus changing almost by the hour it seems, I have decided to release £1 million pounds from the Constabulary’s reserves to help prepare for its impact on Gloucestershire.

Police role

This is proving to be an extremely fluid situation. The Chief Constable Rod Hansen and I have been in constant touch and I have assured him the fund can be used to facilitate police activity in support of efforts to contain and manage the likely spread of the Covid 19 virus. 

The Constabulary\’s reserves are held to deal with exceptional events. The circumstances in which we now find ourselves illustrate the importance of maintaining them throughout the last 10 years of austerity.  

The right resources

Covid 19 is just such an exceptional event and we are entering an unprecedented period of uncertainly. It is right, therefore, that the Chief Constable is given the resources to respond in the most effective way possible and if more funds are needed they will also be provided. The last thing he needs is to be hamstrung by budgetary concerns.

Setting aside £1 million to deal with the Coronavirus event now will also enable my office to monitor and manage the costs associated with the outbreak and, if possible, it will also help with planning for the future and potentially to recover some of the costs from the Government at a future date.