MPA responds to the Government Grant Allocation

PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE FIGURES BELOW MAY CHANGE FOLLOWING MERSEYSIDE POLICE AUTHORITY'S BUDGET MEETING ON FEBRUARY 17TH 2011.

Chairman of Merseyside Police Authority, Cllr Bill Weightman, said:

"This settlement represents a huge blow to policing on Merseyside and exceeds the cuts we were expecting following the CSR (Comprehensive Spending Review) announcement in October by a further £12 million over the four year period to a total of £66 million. This includes the requirement to save over £22 million next year alone. This puts Merseyside Police Authority in a difficult position, not only delivering cuts as planned, but struggling to protect the core business and frontline service we have fought so hard to improve."

"To date, the Police Authority has already approved over £4 million worth of in year savings in 2010/11 and a further £12.88 million of cuts (4% of the annual budget) in preparation for this settlement period. This will result in a reduction of 200 police officers and around 80 police staff by March 2011. In addition to this, Merseyside Police Authority has a timetable for considering further cost cutting options but clearly the savings required by this settlement will provide both the Chief Constable and the Authority with major policing challenges in the years ahead."

Ends

For more information contact:
Lucy Johnson
0151 285 5509
E-mail: lucy.johnson@merseysidepoliceauthority.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. Merseyside Police Authority (MPA) is an independent organisation. It is responsible for working closely with Merseyside Police to maintain an efficient and effective police service for Merseyside.

2. The Chair of Merseyside Police Authority is Cllr Bill Weightman.

3. While the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police is responsible for the operational side of policing and the delivery of the Policing Plan, the Authority is responsible for working closely with the Chief Constable to produce the plan and approve the budget.

4. Merseyside Police Authority consults with, and listens to, the people of Merseyside. The Policing Plan places great emphasis on the views of the community.

5. The population of Merseyside is reflected in the makeup of the Authority. Members include:

 nine councillors from all five boroughs of Merseyside. Between them they represent all of the three main political parties;

 eight independent members. These posts are open to anyone living or working on Merseyside and must include one magistrate member.

6. For more information go to http://www.merseysidepoliceauthority.gov.uk/.