Sample Answer

The table details the sources of funding for the police and the pie charts show the distribution of this budget. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the contributions of all sources increased, though local taxes displayed the greatest funding growth. In terms of spending, there was a marked increase in technology funding, buildings and transport was unchanged, and salaries declined though this category continued to represent the vast majority of the budget.

In 2017, the national government contributed 175.5 million pounds, slightly below the number for the following year (177.8m). Local taxes, in contrast, were lower overall in both years but grew considerably from £91.2 million to £102.3 million. Other sources, such as grants, were largely unchanged, rising slightly from 38 to 38.5 million. The total figure grew by 13.9m to 318.6m.

In terms of budgetary allocation, 75% of the budget was devoted to salaries in 2017 and this figure declined to 69% the following year. Money for technology nearly doubled, going from 8% to 14%, while spending on buildings and transport was unaltered at 17% in each year surveyed.