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West Midlands Police: Training

Asked by Sir Andrew MitchellConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 6 July 2026UIN 13772

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she is taking steps to increase funding for ongoing training in West Midlands Police to support career progression for local officers.

Answered by Sarah Jones

This Government is committed to ensuring there are consistent, high standards in policing. That is why, since being elected, the government has increased funding to forces by £2 billion. West Midlands Police will receive up to £883.9 million in 2026-27, an increase of up to £36.9 million when compared to the 2025-26 police funding settlement.

The College of Policing sets national standards for leadership, training and development and supports forces and individuals at local level with career progression. However, Chief Constables are ultimately responsible for investment in their workforce at a local level, ensuring that officers are appropriately trained and equipped for their role on an ongoing basis.

As set out in the White Paper, ‘From local to national: a new model for policing’, we are committed to ensuring that officers and staff have the right skills and support to do their jobs. To support our ambitious programme of police reform, the Police Leadership Commission chaired by Lord Blunkett and Lord Herbert has been assessing how a culture of learning, support and development can be further embedded throughout the careers of officers and staff.

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