Redditch's MP has welcomed the recent announcements that West Mercia Police will receive up to £16.2million in extra funding.

The Government recently announced the biggest annual increase in police funding since 2010.

It is increasing funding available to Police & Crime Commissioners by up to £813million, if PCCs use their precept flexibility fully.

Combined with increases in counter-terrorism policing funding, as well as investments in serious and organised crime, this means an increase in total police funding in 2019/20 of £970million.

For West Mercia, the announcement means the force could see funding increases of £16.2million – this includes an extra £2.3million in Government funding, with the rest raised through the PCCs precept flexibility.

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: “I called for more police funding and West Mercia is getting more funding.

"I extensively lobbied Ministers on this issue and I’m glad they have listened and acted on calls from my constituents for more police funding.

“As I’ve said before, I want to see this increase in police funding directed towards increasing police officer numbers even further. A key driver in making residents feel safe in their communities is a visible police presence, and this is what I hope to see from increased police funding.”

It can also be revealed that Worcestershire County Council will receive a £2.4million Adult Social Care Winter Pressures Grant and a Social Care Support Grant of £4.1million in 2019/20.

The MP added: “We’re all aware of the pressures facing social care – I have personal family experience of this – which is why the extra funding announced for social care is so important. Worcestershire alone is receiving £6.5million in extra social care funding."