WEST Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has welcomed the news in Wednesday's Spending Review that extra funding will be in place for policing in 2020.

Mr Campion was happy with the news – which will also see the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers throughout the UK – given by the Chancellor Sajid Javid, as he spoke of plans for 'a new decade of renewal'.

"The action from the Chancellor today around police funding is very welcome news for the communities of West Mercia," said Mr Campion.

"I have lobbied government on behalf of our communities for additional resources. It is clear the government has listened and is taking action to back up its promises.

"In West Mercia, I have already delivered an additional 215 police officers in the last year and the force has been recruiting at a record pace.

"Today’s action from the government means there will be even more police officers on the streets of West Mercia in the coming months.

"I will ensure these additional resources deliver extra visibility, reassurance and tackle crime in our communities right across the force area."

The chancellor today announced that there will be a 6.3 per cent increase in real-terms Home Office spending of £750 million which will fund the first year of the government's plan to recruit the new police officers.

An extra £45m will also be provided so recruitment can start immediately, resulting in 2,000 officers being in place by the end of March next year.