The City of Westminster’s police force spent £107,746,387 last year. But figures released by the the Metropolitan Police under the Freedom of Information Act reveal their proposed budget for next year (2011/12) has been reduced to £104,373,734.

In addition to the reduced Borough policing budget, the Royal Parks’ police force will be losing over £2 million next year, down from £8,914,525 to £6,769,857.

Local London Assembly member, Murad Qureshi, described the cut as deeply worrying. The recent looting, arson and riots in London should make the mayor and government think again, Murad said.

Murad said: "I’m deeply worried that slashing our local police will affect their ability to keep us safe and keep us feeling safe. We saw in August how important it is to have police on the streets when trouble hits. The mayor and the government should take note and reverse their police cuts."

According to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), London is set to lose almost 3,000 uniformed officers by 2015 – 1,907 police officers and 902 police community support officers.

Ends

Notes

Murad Qureshi is a Londonwide Labour London Assembly member.

Details of the budget shortfall for each borough can be found

HMIC’s report detailing the cuts to Metropolitan Police officer numbers can be found

For further information please contact Alison Marcroft on 0207 983 4363

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