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Suffolk police to receive £5.5m funding boost from government

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Suffolk's police force is set to receive an extra £5.5 million in government funding next year, the Home Office has announced. The increase represents a 5.6% rise from 2023-24.

Why it matters: The funding boost is part of Labour's 'Safer Streets' mission and aims to increase the number of neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs across the county.

The big picture: The provisional increase could see Suffolk's overall policing budget rise by nearly £10 million – a 5.7% increase – enabling the force to focus on key priorities including:

  • Expanding neighbourhood policing teams

  • Tackling violence against women and girls

  • Reducing knife crime

  • Cracking down on antisocial behaviour

Fleet of police cars
Suffolk's police force is set to receive an extra £5.5 million in government funding next yearAndy Proctor

What they're saying: Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich and the Government's Mission Champion for the East of England, welcomed the announcement: "I am pleased to see the Government pledge an extra £5.5 million for policing in Suffolk, marking a significant real-terms funding increase. This will allow us to tackle some of the most pressing issues we face here in our county."

Behind the scenes: Forces will be required to participate in a new Commercial Efficiencies and Collaboration Programme, focusing on:

  • Better fleet management

  • Improved energy purchasing

  • Standardised ICT contracts

Worth noting: The funding is part of a wider security investment that includes:

  • A boost to counter-terrorism policing from £140 million to £1.2 billion

  • Additional funding to tackle county lines crime

  • Further settlements for tackling cyber-crime and fraud to be announced

The bottom line: While Abbott says he will continue to push for funding that "better recognises the multi-faceted problems" faced in Suffolk, this provisional settlement represents a significant boost to local policing resources.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Attwells Solicitors

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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