'Reckless cuts to policing'

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd, is disappointed about "reckless cuts to policing".

He said: “I am disappointed that the Government continues with these reckless cuts to the policing budget. Today’s funding settlement announcement means a further disproportionate cut of approximately £16m for Greater Manchester next year.

“I have been listening to the public who are rightly concerned about the impact of these cuts on the police’s ability to effectively fight crime and keep them safe. I will continue to fight for our communities against these cuts, which will mean a loss of 300 police officers from our streets next year.

“We are now in a consultation phase and I urge the Government to listen to the 2.5 million people I represent and think again. The recent election gave me a clear mandate on the issue of cuts and Government now has a brief period to reflect on this and reverse the damage they are doing to our communities.”