This resource is from the News section.This page contains press release 49/00, which discusses MPA call for increased budget to police in London.

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MPA calls for increased budget to police London

49/00
18 December 2000

The Metropolitan Police Authority has called for a 11.6% increase in its budget to enable the effective policing of London, through a much-needed boost to police and civilian support staff numbers.

The increase would result in a budget of £2,056 million, £214 million more than last year.

The budget, if approved by the Mayor and the Greater London Assembly next year, would allow for the recruitment of an additional 1,050 urgently needed Metropolitan Police officers and a better pay deal for police civilian staff.

At present, the Metropolitan Police needs up to 3,000 more officers to police London effectively, and almost 1,000 civilian staff to fill existing vacancies, which will help to release further police officers for operational duties..

MPA Chair Toby Harris said:

‘Money is extremely tight and without an adequate increase over this financial year, we will find it increasingly difficult to stretch the resources available to properly police the streets and neighbourhoods of London.

‘Londoners want to see greater numbers of police officers so that we can achieve a visible presence on the streets and on the housing estates across the Capital.

‘We want these extra officers to be used to police the London boroughs, not swallowed up by specialist units at headquarters, even though these have an important role in the fight against crime.

‘We will also look at efficiency savings and best value plans to make finances go even further, but without the right budget settlement we will have to prioritise even more than we do at present. This would undoubtedly mean some policing activities being further diminished.

‘We live in an internationally-acclaimed and highly regarded city, which requires a police service that is staffed and equipped to the levels required to reduce crime, increase public confidence and make our streets safe for Londoners and visitors alike.’

The Mayor will now consider the MPA’s proposed budget before a final decision is reached.

Notes to editors

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office.