Stunell Slams Home Office for Under Funding of the Greater Manchester Police Authority

12.00.00am GMT Wed 2nd Feb 2005

Greater Manchester Police may be forced to cut the number of bobbies on the beat later this year due to cash shortages, according to the Police Authority.

In a letter to Andrew Stunell MP, the Chair of the Greater Manchester Police Authority says that to continue their services at the present level they require a slight budget increase due to added costs of pensions, PFI and pay scales. At present the Home Office has failed to come up with the required funding and a number of operational police officers will have to be moved into support staff roles, and the number of civilian staff will be cut.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell is backing the Greater Manchester Police Authority's campaign to continue their work of the GMPA at no less than their current service.

Andrew Stunell said:

"Slashing the numbers of front line police and putting the people of Stockport at risk should never be an option. It is embarrassing for the Home Office that this situation could ever arise. It blows a big hole in the government's claim to be backing the fight against crime in our area."

Mr Stunell added:

"Cutting crime is a key concern to the people of Stockport. We need more police on the streets, not less."

ENDS