LONDON, July 6, 2025
Policing Costs in Question
Debate ignites over who foots the bill for football match security.
- Metropolitan Police Commissioner calls for football clubs to pay for policing.
- Current policing costs for football matches in the UK amount to £70 million.
- Commissioner proposes reforms to reduce the number of police forces.
- Funding concerns are growing amid calls for increased resources.
The question of who pays for policing at football matches is now front and center: **Should football clubs pay the £70 million cost of policing their matches in the UK?**
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has sparked a heated debate by suggesting football clubs should foot the hefty bill for policing their matches. Rowley, the country’s most senior police officer, argues that organizers of events requiring significant security support should bear the financial responsibility. His proposal has ignited discussions about funding, resource allocation, and the financial burdens placed on local communities.
“Polluter Pays” Approach
Sir Mark Rowley advocates for a “more of a polluter pays approach,” questioning why local communities should shoulder the cost of policing Premier League matches in England, diverting resources from other essential services. He raised this concern amidst broader plans for radical police reforms, including a reduction in the number of police forces across England and Wales.
Radical Police Reforms
Rowley’s comments accompanied his call for consolidating the existing 43 police forces in England and Wales into 12 to 15 larger entities. He voiced his concerns on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program, stating that the current fragmented model is struggling to cope with rising demands and strained funding.
According to Rowley, streamlining the police force structure would allow for better resource utilization and cost savings. He highlighted an “invisible spaghetti” of bureaucracy that drains resources and increases costs. By creating larger local forces and a single national body, he believes they could cut away with a lot of that cost and waste.
Funding Concerns and Criticisms
While Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 2.3% annual funding increase for policing in England and Wales in last month’s Spending Review, many forces have described the funds as falling “far short”. Sir Mark maintains that reforms are essential to help police forces, including the Met, “make the best use of the money we’ve got”.
Past Proposals and Opposition
The idea of making football clubs pay for policing isn’t new. It was previously suggested by the head of the UK’s football policing unit but later criticized by sports bodies. These bodies argued that such a move could threaten events and potentially lead to increased ticket prices for fans.
The 1960s Model
Writing in the Sunday Times, Sir Mark argued that the current 43-force model, designed in the 1960s, is outdated and hinders the effective confrontation of modern threats. He believes larger forces would be better equipped to leverage modern technology and respond to evolving challenges.
Reform “Essential”
Commissioner Rowley addressed concerns about the feasibility of these reforms, acknowledging similar failed attempts in 2006. He insisted that reform is “essential,” especially considering the substantial decline in spending on policing and public safety over the past decade. “I don’t see that changing dramatically. We’ve got to make the best use of every pound the government can give to us,” he added.
When pressed about potential de-prioritization of certain crimes, Sir Mark stated: “So I don’t want policing activity to fall off the list, and I know that the mayor and the home secretary have pushed hard for the most police funding that we can get.” He emphasized the determination to improve the daily experiences of Londoners by focusing on core police work.
