The table and charts below give information on the police budget for 2017 and 2018 in one area of Britain. The table shows where the money came from and the charts show how it was distributed.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Police budget 2017-2018 (in £m):

Sources

2017

2018

National Government

175.5m

177.8m

Local Taxes

91.2m

102.3m

Other Sources (e.g. grants)

38m

38.5m

Total

304.7m

318.6m

How the money was spent:

2017: salaries (officers and staff) 75%, buildings and transport 17%, technology 8%

2018: salaries (officers and staff) 69%, buildings and transport 17%, technology 14%

The police budget for a specific area in Britain witnessed a gradual increase from 2017 to 2018. In 2017, the budget amounted to £304.7 million, while it rose to £318.6 million in 2018. The primary sources of funding remained consistent over this period, with the National Government contributing £175.5 million in 2017 and £177.8 million in 2018. Local taxes also played a significant role, contributing £91.2 million in 2017 and £102.3 million in 2018. Other sources, including grants, remained relatively stable, providing £38 million in 2017 and £38.5 million in 2018.

In terms of expenditure, salaries for officers and staff accounted for the majority of the budget in both years, comprising 75% in 2017 and 69% in 2018. Expenditure on buildings and transport remained consistent at 17% in both years. However, there was a notable shift in technology spending, which increased from 8% of the budget in 2017 to 14% in 2018.

Overall, the police budget experienced a moderate increase, primarily driven by higher contributions from local taxes and the National Government. While the majority of funds continued to be allocated to salaries, there was a noteworthy increase in technology spending, reflecting a potential emphasis on modernizing police operations in the latter year.