This resource is from the News section. This page contains press release 12/00, which comments on funding for more police officers.

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• MPA note of caution on funding for more police
  • Notes to editors

MPA note of caution on funding for more police

12/00
11 August 2000

The Metropolitan Police Authority welcomed the Home Office’s announcement today of funding for a further 931 police officers for the Met in addition to the 1,113 extra posts announced in March this year.

Commenting on the announcement, Nicholas Long, Deputy Chair of the MPA’s Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee, said:

“The news that the Home Office will fund 931 extra police officers for the Met is very welcome. The major challenge now is for the Met actually to recruit these extra officers. The MPA regards getting the Met up to strength as an absolute key priority, without which it will be next to impossible for the Commissioner to deliver the improvements in front-line policing that all of us want. As well as more recruitment, there are serious issues to be addressed about the retention of experienced police officers by the Met, and indeed the retention of civilian staff, where there is also a problem.

“The fact remains that the high cost of housing and living in London is seriously affecting both recruitment and retention. The MPA will be keeping a close watch on police numbers over the next few months, in particular to see whether the recent increase in the London Pay Lead is having the desired effect. We will also do all we can to support any initiatives that will aid the provision of affordable housing.”

Mr Long said the MPA joined the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, in assuring Londoners that all the new posts to be filled would be used to improve the Met’s crime fighting activities by providing support to front-line policing on boroughs.

Notes to editors

The Metropolitan Police Authority took over responsibility for the Metropolitan Police Service from the Home Secretary on 3 July. The Metropolitan Police Authority held its first meeting on 26 June, 2000 at which Lord Toby Harris was elected Chair and Peter Herbert and Richard Barnes were elected Deputy Chairs.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office.