The Scottish Police Authority has approved the allocation of a £1.4 billion policing budget for the financial year ahead (2023/24). 

In line with its statutory obligations to maintain policing, the Authority has agreed revenue allocations of:

• £1,278 million to Police Scotland 
• £44.5 million to Forensic Services
• £5.2 million to SPA Corporate

The budget was considered at a meeting of the Authority held in public session in Edinburgh on Thursday 23 March 2023. 

Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, Chief Constable of Police Scotland confirmed that he was confident he could effective police Scotland within the allocation in the year ahead, however 'hard choices' and 'prioritisation' would be inevitable. 

Before approving the budget, the Authority's Board quizzed the Chief Constable, Director of Forensic Services and the Authority's Chief Executive and Accountable Officer about the allocations for the year ahead. Members sought assurance about the implications of the budget on services and the workforce which will see a headcount reduction in the year ahead.  

The agenda and papers discussed at the meeting are available to view from the following section of the Authority's website: Authority Meeting 23 March 2023. A recording of the meeting is available to watch again on the Authority's dedicated Livestream channel.

Article initially published 25 March 2023