Cumbria Police Commissioner Opposes Plans to Merge Forces

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, David Allen, has voiced strong opposition to the Home Office’s proposal to significantly reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales through mergers, saying the plan would weaken policing in rural areas and undermine community links. Allen emphasised that policing works best when delivered locally, particularly in a county like Cumbria with its large rural geography and seasonal tourism pressures.
The government’s White Paper on police reform, unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, outlines ambitious plans to merge many of the 43 current forces into larger constabularies a move supporters say will make the service more efficient and better able to tackle serious organised crime. Critics, including Allen, argue that bigger forces do not necessarily mean better policing and that local leadership and community trust are vital for effective neighbourhood policing.
In defending why Cumbria should remain independent, Allen noted the county’s unique challenges, including its vast geography and fluctuating population due to tourism. He also referenced past decisions that saw 16 police stations in Cumbria closed, which he described as detrimental to strong community policing. Allen said any restructuring must be properly funded to avoid weakening frontline services rather than improving them.
While Allen said he is willing to work constructively with the government on the proposals, he stressed he will always stand up for local policing and ensure Cumbria continues to receive the service residents expect and deserve.
The debate over police mergers comes amid broader national discussions about policing reform, including questions about accountability, resources, and the balance between local responsiveness and national capability.