MPA's budget calls for increase of 1000 officers

116/02
14 November 2002

If the Mayor agrees the Authority's draft budget, which will be submitted on 15 November, Londoners will see another 1,000 officers on their streets next year, as well as some 200 more for transport policing.

Graham Tope, Chair of the finance committee said:

"Since the MPA was established in July 2000, the number of police officers has risen by around 17% and will reach almost 30,000 by March 2004. In the next financial year we also plan to release a further 450 police officers from control room duties to front line operations.

"Overall, in the years since the MPA has been in existence, we will have made efficiency savings in excess of #100 million by the end of 2004.

"Londoners have demanded a greater police presence on our streets and we will work to ensure the MPA's aim of securing efficient and effective policing for the people of London is a reality."

Other key points in the draft budget include:

• continued support for counter terrorism measures;
• continued funding for Police Community Support Officers recruited this year and, subject to clarification of Home Office funding, provision for more next year;
• funding, jointly with the Department of Health, has been allocated for three Sexual Assault Referral centres, to improve the care of rape victims and the investigation of rape; and
• completion of new police stations in South London and a new firearms and public order training facility.

At the MPA finance committee today 14 November 2002, members agreed to submit the draft budget for 2003-2004 to the Mayor on 15 November.

There remains considerable uncertainty around the grant position for 2003 - 4 which will not be resolved until December when the budget will be reviewed again. The Authority will meet on 10 December to discuss the implications of the grant settlement.

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback