Government hits back over cost of No.10 North to police

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

The UK government acknowledges that policing the new Number 10 North office in Manchester has placed significant additional demands on Greater Manchester Police, contributing to a projected budget overspend nearing £10 million this year. Despite a record national police funding increase, local officials warn that the added security requirements are straining GMP's resources and exacerbating financial pressures in the region.

The UK government has responded to concerns surrounding the financial impact of policing for Number 10 North, the Prime Minister’s new office in Manchester city centre, amid reports of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) facing significant budget pressures.

Greater Manchester Deputy Mayor Kate Green highlighted on Wednesday that the establishment of Number 10 North has led to “significant additional demands” on GMP resources, contributing to an anticipated budget overspend approaching £10 million this year. These remarks followed the release of a report by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority indicating financial strain within the police force.

In response to inquiries about the issue, a government spokesperson emphasized the strategic importance of Number 10 North, describing it as central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to decentralizing government operations. The office is intended to support the government’s devolution agenda and bring public services closer to local communities.

The spokesperson further pointed out that police funding nationwide has reached a record level of £18.5 billion for the current year, with Greater Manchester Police receiving a £33.3 million increase in cash funding. They also noted that arrangements for the Prime Minister’s security fall within police operational responsibilities and that the latest financial settlement for GMP was determined prior to the establishment of Number 10 North.

Deputy Mayor Green acknowledged that the current budget pressures on GMP follow what she described as a “poor funding settlement” from the government and asserted that the force’s situation is not due to mismanagement. She recognized the value of Number 10 North to the region but stressed that the additional policing requirements it entails have placed considerable strain on GMP, particularly in areas like Albert Square in Manchester city centre.

These concerns were echoed by Councillor Kevin Anderson during a meeting where he remarked on the wide-reaching effects of the enhanced policing presence. Anderson pointed out that GMP, the country’s second largest police force, has had resources diverted to support the security needs associated with the Prime Minister and his family. He added that in districts such as Wigan, constituents have expressed concerns about the rising costs of maintaining security arrangements linked to Number 10 North.

The discussion highlights ongoing tensions between local officials and central government regarding the allocation and adequacy of police funding amid new operational demands introduced by the establishment of a significant government presence outside London.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.