Introduction

Cleveland Police Commissioner Matt Storey has confirmed the force has still not received the £2m it was promised nearly two months after a fatal crash on the A66 that claimed seven lives, including two officers.

What Happened

The crash occurred in the early hours of 22 August on the dual carriageway near Middlesbrough, when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way collided with a marked Cleveland Police vehicle. Seven people died, including PC Matthew Blades, PC Tom Clough, and five young men in the Passat.

Why This Matters

The delayed funding has sparked concern over its impact on ongoing investigations. Commissioner Storey highlighted that related policing costs now exceed £5m, with 50 arrests and 15 charges linked to a wider organized crime operation following the tragedy.

Key Takeaways

  • The Home Office pledged the £2m by the end of November, but it has yet to arrive.
  • Commissioner Storey argues the current police funding model disadvantages the Teesside force.
  • He says the upcoming Budget offers a chance to align resources more fairly with demand.

Conclusion

As the force continues to manage the fallout from the A66 crash, the delay in promised funding remains a critical point of contention. Commissioner Storey push for fairer resource allocation could shape Cleveland Policing long-term sustainability.