Let's look at one simple fact - if one wants to be upbeat about it:
Without the formation of NPAS - the UK's police air support units would have been picked off, one by one by their respective C. C's so as to make ends meet. The whole process of selling off the family jewellery would have accelerated with the advent of PCC's trying to make a name for themselves.
NPAS has at the very least salvaged and secured approximately 90% of these air support units - atleast for the foreseeable future.
There is no disputing this - I would suggest. Basing future arguments on this premise - weakens many a negative perspective.