18 October 2022

Policing to face more cuts as Government plans to implement austerity measures across public sector

Policing is facing more cuts as the Government has said it plans to implement austerity measures across the public sector following the current economic crisis.

Chair James Dimmack has responded to comments by new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who told the BBC that all Government departments would have to find “more efficiencies than they had planned”.

Prime Minister Liz Truss doubled down on that message, telling The Sun: “Our public sector will become more efficient to deliver world-class services including the National Health Service and policing.”

James highlighted that cuts have consequences and urged the Government to remember the mistakes of the past.

He said: “Talks of austerity are a worrying throwback to recent history. It is evident that this did not work previously where Policing in England and Wales was decimated. The fact this austerity prompted the “uplift” shows how badly we as a profession were affected.

“Let’s be clear the pressure of implementing uplift has been huge with enormous strain placed upon training and all enabling services.

“In truth we are yet to feel the impact of uplift and now we are being told we will have to do more with less. We are not naive as to the state of the nation. It is that very state of affairs that will place increased pressure on an already beleaguered Police Service as countless organisations are withdrawing their services over pay disputes.

“Unfortunately reality bites and so be it but let’s continue to deal in reality and not the fantasy we can make cuts and improve service.”