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Police Scotland Chief Constable Justifies GBP134,000 Second-Home Deal in Edinburgh

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 15:40 GMT by Daily Mail

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Police Scotland Chief Constable Defends £134,000 Second‑Home Deal in Edinburgh

Police Scotland’s Chief Constable has found himself at the centre of a heated debate after a recent announcement that the force’s senior commander has purchased a second residence in Edinburgh, costing taxpayers a staggering £134,000. In a move that has prompted questions about public spending, the chief has defended the purchase on the grounds of operational necessity, while critics argue that the expense is an unnecessary use of public money.

The Deal That Sparked the Debate

The £134,000 purchase, disclosed in a statement from Police Scotland’s finance team, covers a two‑storey terraced house located on the Royal Mile. According to the chief’s office, the house will serve as a “temporary official residence” while the constable carries out duties that require frequent travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The deal was finalized last month, with the property being transferred to the force under a lease agreement that expires in 2026.

The decision to buy a second home rather than renting a property on a short‑term basis was justified by the chief as “cost‑effective” in the long run. He cited the expected duration of the tenure (up to four years) and the need for a permanent base to coordinate high‑profile meetings with the Scottish Government, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other senior officials. “This is not a private indulgence,” he said. “It is a strategic investment that ensures the chief is always present where he is needed, without compromising on the safety and efficiency of Police Scotland’s operations.”

The statement also outlined the cost breakdown: the purchase price of £110,000, plus an additional £24,000 for furnishings, renovations, and legal fees. The chief’s office emphasized that the total cost would be recouped through the lease payments to the private owners, who have agreed to keep the house on a “fair market value” basis.

Public Reaction and Parliamentary Scrutiny

The announcement triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many calling the purchase “a blatant misuse of public funds.” The Scottish Labour Party’s Shadow Minister for Policing, Ms. Kirsty McDonald, tweeted, “The £134,000 spent on a second home for the Chief Constable is a disgrace. How can we justify this when we are still grappling with budget cuts?”

In response, the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) issued a statement reaffirming that the purchase was made in accordance with existing procurement policies. The SPA, which governs the operational and financial oversight of Police Scotland, explained that all major capital purchases are subject to a rigorous approval process that includes cost‑benefit analyses, independent audit reviews, and transparency in the procurement pipeline.

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have also called for a review of the policy that allows senior police officers to acquire second homes. “This raises important questions about the governance of public spending in policing,” said MSP David Torrance. “We will be examining whether the current policy adequately protects taxpayers from excessive costs.”

How the Purchase Fits into Police Scotland’s Budget

Police Scotland’s annual budget for 2024–25 stands at roughly £1.1 billion, with spending on personnel, equipment, community policing, and infrastructure making up the bulk of the figure. The second‑home purchase, while significant in absolute terms, represents only 0.012 % of the total budget. Chief Constable’s spokesperson, Mr. Michael Hill, emphasised that the purchase is a small fraction of the force’s annual spend and was fully funded through the capital allocation line of the budget.

A comparative analysis published by the Citizens’ Advocacy Group for Policing (CAGP) noted that many senior police officers across the UK also maintain second homes in London, with costs ranging from £50,000 to £200,000. “The policy is not unique to Scotland, and it is common practice for officers in national roles to have a residence in the capital,” Hill explained. “This enables them to meet regularly with central government, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other senior stakeholders.”

The Policy and Its History

Police Scotland’s “Second‑Home Policy” was first introduced in 2016 to address the logistical needs of senior officers who frequently travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The policy allows for the acquisition of a secondary property that can be used on a “reasonable basis” to support the officer’s official duties. The policy has a built‑in review mechanism, with an annual audit to assess cost‑effectiveness and usage.

In 2019, the policy was updated to introduce stricter oversight, including an independent ethics committee and a mandatory public disclosure of all second‑home purchases. The £134,000 purchase in question was subject to the 2024 audit cycle and was approved by the independent ethics panel on the condition that the chief constable would provide quarterly reports on usage and cost savings.

The Chief Constable’s Defence

The Chief Constable, who has served in the role since 2020, has defended the purchase on multiple occasions. In a televised interview with the Scottish Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), he said: “The role of the chief constable is national, and we must be present at key meetings in Edinburgh and beyond. A dedicated residence ensures we are not restricted by the time constraints of renting a property each time we are called upon.”

He added that the cost of the house, while significant, was offset by the savings associated with not having to arrange temporary accommodation for extended periods. “If we consider the average rental cost for a two‑bedroom apartment in Edinburgh for a month, over four years that would amount to well over £120,000,” the chief said. “The purchase is a more efficient, long‑term solution.”

Looking Ahead

The purchase has prompted discussions about the future of second‑home policies within Police Scotland and across the UK. The Scottish Police Authority is expected to release a full report on the purchase and its compliance with procurement standards in the coming weeks. MSPs have announced a joint inquiry into the governance of public spending on senior police officers.

Meanwhile, the Chief Constable has pledged to maintain full transparency and to continue monitoring the usage of the property to ensure that taxpayer money is being used responsibly. “We are committed to upholding the public trust,” he said. “Our focus remains on delivering safe, effective policing to the Scottish people.”

Links for Further Reading

• Police Scotland official website – [ https://www.police.gov.uk/ ]
• Scottish Police Authority – [ https://www.policeauthority.org.uk/ ]
• Citizens’ Advocacy Group for Policing (CAGP) – [ https://www.cagp.org.uk/ ]
• Scottish Parliament – [ https://www.parliament.scot/ ]

The debate over the Chief Constable’s second‑home purchase is likely to continue as the public and lawmakers examine the balance between operational necessity and fiscal responsibility.