Cumbria police facing £7m cuts (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cumbria police facing £7m cuts

2:50pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in

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CUMBRIA’S top cop has vowed that a predicted £7 million hole in his force’s finances will not affect front line policing.

Chief Constable Craig Mackey said “backroom activities” would bear the brunt of cuts triggered by a forecasted fall in income and not bobbies on the beat.

Mr Mackey made the pledge after Cumbria Police Authority revealed the force could face a £7.3 million shortfall in its budget between next year and 2014.

He also denied the budget crisis would mean a reduction in the number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) employed in the county.

He told The Westmorland Gazette: “We will have to make efficiency savings because the expected cuts in central government and council tax funding but we are certainly not looking at reducing PCSOs if we can avoid it.”

Mr Mackey said he had to ensure the force was “achieving value for every pound we spend”.

“However, I have agreed with the police authority that we would protect face-to-face policing so any efficiencies will be in backroom costs where they don’t affect our front line duties.

“We will always meet the threats and risks that are posed to Cumbria. That’s what local policing in the county is about.”

Mr Mackey said Cumbria Police faced the same financial problems as all the other 42 forces in England and Wales.

“These are difficult times but there is an opportunity to re-shape for a better service and change has to be part of the solution. I am determined that the visible face of policing, be it face-to-face, telephone or online in Cumbria, will be maintained and improved.

“Given the ever changing climate, our forecasts indicate there will have to be savings made and our current assumptions show that this could be £3.8 million in 2010/11 and a cumulative figure of £7.3 million by 2013/14. These figures reflect the most recent economic assumptions and are regularly reviewed.

“It is without question that the shape of the constabulary will be very different at the end of the forecasting period than it is today. However, this is our opportunity to build a sustainable organisation which builds on the strengths and standards of excellence.”

Cumbria Police Authority chairman Ray Cole said: “Without a doubt it will be a challenging time, but our commitment as a governing body is to ensure the constabulary continues to deliver a policing service that keeps the communities of Cumbria safe, within a financial framework that is sustainable and affordable.”