MPA finance committee proposes realistic budget for the Met

73/01
17 October 2001

The Metropolitan Police Authority's finance committee has recommended a police budget for 2002/03 of £2.15 billion, an increase of 7.2 per cent over the adjusted current year budget.

In considering next year's budget, the committee took into account expected central government grant provision of nearly £1.8 billion, some £20 million less than previously forecast. It also had regard to the Mayor's indication to provide through the council precept an inflation increase of two per cent, plus funding of £22.7 million for additional officers. However, the committee took the view that this would not fund the full 1,000 officers proposed by the Mayor.

Nevertheless, the recommended budget would still require reductions of £21 million yet to be identified. With the Met being unable to reduce police pay and pensions and current contractual obligations, this represents 3.3 per cent on the remaining budget.

Items excluded from the budget estimates include the ongoing impact on policing requirements arising from the new terrorist threat, the cost of policing next year's Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations and traffic enforcement to secure safer routes in the capital. Separate discussions are underway with the Home Office and Transport for London to address these additional costs.

Graham Tope, committee chair, said:

"It is important to submit a budget that provides the minimum necessary for the Met to do its job. We must take a realistic but proper view of the submission we make to the full Authority.

"However, it must not be forgotten that substantial increases in police numbers, although to be generally welcomed, have an on-going cost which adds to the pressures on an already stretched budget."

The recommendation will be considered by the MPA's full meeting on 25 October and a final proposal will be submitted to the Mayor the next day. The Mayor's overall budget is expected to be given final approval following consideration by the London Assembly in February.

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