Police authority demand more for less

A budget which maximises the frontline, freezes the police portion of council tax and looks to minimise compulsory redundancies has been set by Greater Manchester Police Authority.

The amount allocated for policing in Greater Manchester during the next financial year is more than £585m.

This takes into account savings of more than £49m which have been identified in response to the announcement of reductions in Government funding. 

It also includes council tax contributions equivalent to £144.33 per Band D household which is the same as last year.

Councillor Paul Murphy, GMPA Chairman, said: “It’s crucial we have a budget which puts neighbourhood policing at its heart, preserves the frontline and makes the best use of resources.

“This is particularly challenging as we have to find savings of around £134m over the next four years. The plans we have approved will put the Authority and Force on track to achieve this.

“We’ve been working on the plans for some time and have been forced to make some difficult decisions particularly surrounding the workforce. We’re doing everything possible to find the reductions in posts needed through voluntary redundancy and will continue to strive to retain as many people as possible.”

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy added:  "The Force and the Police Authority have worked hard to try and minimise the impact on the service to the public of these budget reductions and next year we are aiming to further reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
 
"We are determined to ensure that the criminal fraternity does not benefit from this situation. Nevertheless this has been a very painful process for the staff involved and we will see many valued colleagues leave the force over the coming 12 months and beyond."

GMPA sets the police budget each February following consultation with a host of partners including members of the public, the Force, local authority leaders, local councillors and Greater Manchester MPs.

A detailed budget report is then prepared for Authority Members to consider.

The report highlights various elements of the budget including how much money is available for policing, how funding will be used and the impact on the workforce.

Councillor Murphy said: “We’re in unprecedented, fast moving times and this is reflected in the budget which the Authority has agreed today.

 “It is reassuring to see that in this uncertain environment, the Force is continuing to cut crime, reduce costs and improve satisfaction levels and the Authority commends every police officer and staff member within GMP for that.”