Taxpayer money spent on abandoned police stations sparks debate on resource allocation.
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In recent revelations, it has come to light that Police Scotland has expended over £22,000 of taxpayer money on the maintenance of the now-closed Portlethen police station. This expenditure, uncovered through a freedom of information (FoI) request by the Scottish Conservatives, highlights a broader issue regarding the financial management of police facilities across the region.
Financial implications of closed police stations
According to the data, seven police stations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have been shuttered in the past five years, with Portlethen being the latest to close its doors in 2023. The total cost for maintaining this mothballed station has reached £22,288.69, alongside an additional £4,581.60 in business rates.
This trend is not isolated; for instance, the Peterhead station, which ceased operations in 2020, has incurred costs of £51,497.68 in rates and £11,920.58 in repairs.
However, the most significant financial burden has been attributed to the former Queen Street headquarters of Grampian Police, which has racked up an astonishing £398,749.09 in upkeep costs since its closure in 2021. Such figures raise pressing questions about the efficacy of resource allocation within Police Scotland.
Community impact and visibility concerns
Liam Kerr, the Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary, has voiced concerns regarding the implications of maintaining these unused properties. He argues that many police stations in the north-east are no longer fit for purpose, leading to challenges in officer visibility, which is crucial for effective community policing. Kerr emphasized that the ongoing financial burden of maintaining these abandoned buildings detracts from essential funding that could be directed towards training and retaining officers.
“Millions of pounds have been spent over the last five years on some of A Division’s oldest buildings, including almost £1.2 million on the old Queen Street HQ before it was sold to Aberdeen City Council,” Kerr stated. He further criticized the Scottish Government for continuing to charge business rates on properties like Seaton, which are no longer operational.
Police Scotland’s response and future plans
In response to the mounting criticism, Police Scotland defended its actions, asserting that the transformation of their estate in the north-east serves as a model for future developments across the country. A spokesperson for the force explained that the organization inherited a large and aging estate in 2013, much of which was deemed inefficient and costly to maintain.
“Necessary repairs and investment have been made over the years to ensure our buildings meet health and safety requirements,” the spokesperson noted. However, they acknowledged that spending on maintaining outdated facilities is not the best use of public funds. The focus has shifted towards disposing of surplus properties and investing in modern, purpose-built facilities.
The Scottish Government has also emphasized its commitment to improving police infrastructure, stating that the policing capital budget has more than tripled since 2017-18. The draft budget for 2025-26 includes a record £1.62 billion for policing, with a significant portion allocated for capital funding aimed at enhancing resources and facilities.
As the debate continues over the financial implications of maintaining closed police stations, it remains clear that a strategic approach is necessary to ensure that taxpayer money is utilized effectively, prioritizing community safety and officer visibility.
