Facing immediate budget shortfalls and long‑term gaps, the plan estimates an annual shortfall of about £600 million, with up to £400 million more possible after sentencing reforms.

Supporters call for consolidating funding and simplifying the grant system to accelerate national projects and prevent duplication across the 43 forces.

A new national policing framework would shift public order and protest responsibilities to a central national body and assemble specialist teams to tackle national and international threats, freeing local officers to focus more on community policing while gaining access to advanced technology.

Leading officials propose coordinating national threats through the revamped structure, enabling local forces to concentrate on community policing enhanced by better technology.

A national crime commissioner would be created as part of reforms aimed at strengthening central oversight and speeding innovation across policing.

Opposition voices, including associations and police bodies, caution about concentrated power, reduced local control, insufficient consultation, and potential impacts on funding and response times.

Budget pressures could strain reform efforts as forces grapple with roughly £600 million a year in shortfalls plus the potential £400 million post‑reform funding gap.

Local forces face a significant funding gap, with about £600 million per year in shortfall and up to £400 million more after sentencing reforms, raising concerns about fiscal viability and immediate needs.

The White Paper recommends reducing the number of forces in England and Wales, consolidating leadership, and streamlining funding and decision‑making toward a national model by the early 2030s.

The proposed reforms involve substantial force reductions and centralized funding and governance to accelerate modernization and the rollout of new approaches.

Reaction is mixed: some groups fear power concentration and funding gaps, while others worry reforms might drain resources needed for frontline targets.

Regional bodies and associations warn that reforms could limit local involvement, with concerns about funding adequacy and what it means for call‑out response, even as some groups push for streamlined governance.