Police Cash Cut Confirmed

11.46.56am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 11th Dec 2006

Stunell slams £13.5 million cuts to Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police face a second year of cuts following the Government's grant announcement, according to Andrew Stunell, Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove.

Mr Stunell said:

"This year's funding settlement is well below what the Police need to keep services going. It is yet another slap in the face for Greater Manchester's hardworking police force.

"The government have under funded our local police service year on year, and the latest £13.5 million budget gap will mean that funding for Police Community Support Officers, road policing and witness support will be slashed.

"At the same time, the government has the cheek to channel even more money down to the London Met. London has a population of 7 million and will receive £20 million for community policing. Yet Greater Manchester, with a population of 2 ½ million will only receive £1 million. It is time for the Government to treat us more fairly."

ENDS