Gwent Police has been rated ‘good’ for the third year in a row, according to an industry report released last week.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) published the ‘Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Leadership’ report praising Gwent Police’s financial planning.

The report added the force had a ‘good understanding’ of the skills and capabilities it needs now and in the future” and an investment plan which prioritises hidden crime, technology.

Gwent Police funding has been reduced by nearly 40 per cent since 2008.

Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, welcomed the report but noted the “difficulties faced” in balancing service efficiency with the demands of delivering policing services to communities and said he “sincerely hopes that cuts to the policing service are not continued”.

Gwent Police’s chief constable Julian Williams described news as “testament to our having a sound understanding of current demand for our services and an ability to plan accordingly”.

To view the report, visit: www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/