Hertfordshire: Police cuts could reach £5m

Budget cuts of up to £5million could hit our police next year, the Hertfordshire Police Federation has warned - according to the Watford Observer.

Chairman Detective Constable Alan Kemp has warned of a damaging effect on morale and officer numbers when the force's budget settlement is agreed at the end of the month.

Police funding is currently split between a bloc central government grant (the budget settlement) and a Police Authority precept added to council tax bills. The budgets run from April to April.

With increases in the latter funding likely to be capped at 5% (as it was last year) by the government, the federation is warning of a significant drop in funding of up to £5million.

Detective Constable Kemp warns this could lead to retiring staff not being replaced and a further strain on his already stretched members.

He said: "We know savings will be made but we're not sure what extent they will be yet.

"In real terms all forces are having their budgets cut year on year and it's really beginning to bite. It has to have a knock-on effect on staff."

A Hertfordshire Constabulary representative confirmed that a government funding cut "in real terms" was likely but stressed next year's budget, to be drawn up by the Police Authority, was yet to be agreed.

He confirmed, however, that savings would probably have to be made. Last year's budget was agreed at more than £165million.