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<p>The likelihood of a crime resulting in a charge can vary for a number of reasons,
including the complexity or severity of an offence or the difficulty in identifying
a suspect.</p><p>Changes in charge rates are likely to be the result of a combination
of improved crime recording by the police and forces taking on more complex crimes
which take longer to receive an outcome, such as domestic abuse or sexual offences.</p><p>The
statistics show that there has been a societal shift towards victims reporting ‘hidden’
crimes to the police and we welcome that more victims of domestic abuse and sexual
violence are feeling empowered to come forward.</p><p>We recognise that demand on
the police is changing and have responded positively by providing a strong and comprehensive
settlement that provides a £460m increase in overall funding in 2018/19, including
increased funding to tackle counter-terrorism and additional funding for local policing
through Council Tax precept.</p>
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