Frontline policing under threat - claim

Frontline policing numbers in Norfolk will be slashed if ministers approve a £3.6m funding cut, despite spiralling costs as officers struggle to cope with an influx of immigrants - reports the Eastern Daily Press.

Officials at Norfolk police will meet next week to discuss the “nightmare” scenario which comes against a backdrop of a succession of grant cuts in recent years which have already left the county's budget stripped to the bone.

Police authority chairman Stephen Bett accused the government of being out of touch with rural areas, saying it had failed to take account of changes brought about by population growth brought about by an influx of immigrants.

His comments echo those of Cambridgeshire chief constable Julie Spence who said a squeeze on funding caused by out-of-date population figures meant there had been no extra cash for officers in the past five years.

Mr Bett said that the very best Norfolk could hope for is that it maintains its current level of funding which led to a 7% council tax increase this year - the fourth highest increase in the country.

At worst there will be “major and widespread” cuts, including a reduction in officers on the frontline.

“Until now we have had a level of protection meaning that, at worst, we would not lose funding as we are guaranteed a minimum increase,” Mr Bett said.

“However, the formula used to calculate grants is being reviewed and this protection could be lost.

“If this happens we stand to lose millions of pounds from our budget. Our budget is already at full-stretch following a disappointing settlement last year.

“This has left us extremely vulnerable and we would have to carry out a review at all levels. This would certainly include frontline policing and may also mean that we do not introduce safer neighbourhood teams in all areas as originally planned.”

Authority treasurer Bob Summers said council tax must increase by 1% for every £450,000 needed. This would mean an 8% increase would be needed in Norfolk if the changes go ahead.

Earlier this year the authority was reprimanded by the government for increasing council tax beyond its approved level and warned ministers would have “no hesitation” in imposing strict penalties if there was a repeat of this increase.

Mr Summers added that early signs were that nationally the settlement will be an increase of 2.7% but some of this will be skimmed off to meet Home Office costs bringing the rise in way below inflation.