Have your say on police spending cuts

A SERIES of consultation events is being held to ensure the public's views  on the impact of spending cuts on policing in South Yorkshire are taken into account.

Every Police Authority in the country will receive a 5.1 per cent cut in general grants from government for next year's budget, followed by a further 6.7 per cent cut in 2012/13.

Government grants fund more than 80 per cent of South Yorkshire's Police budget, which was a total of more than £260million this year.

Bosses said that even after allowing for an increase in Council Tax revenue, grant cuts would mean significant reductions in police budgets.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police Authority said: “We believe the grant changes will mean a reduction of £40 million in annual budget over the next four years, with cuts of up to £15 million. required in 2011/12 budget.

“We have acknowledged the scale of the cuts will prompt a new approach to the way the service is delivered and have invited the public to get involved on discussions ahead of the new strategy.”

Bill Wilkinson, chief executive and treasurer of the authority, said: “In considering the grant settlement, the authority has agreed the magnitude of cuts means a different approach to budgeting and forward planning. 

“Looking ahead with the Chief Constable, the authority will develop over the next couple of months its four-year strategy to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of policing in South Yorkshire, while maintaining public confidence and satisfaction. 

“There will clearly be cuts in both police officer and staff numbers - the way the service is delivered will change, but we will be working hard with the force to ensure the public of South Yorkshire remain safe.”

More information on how to participate in the “focus group”-style events can be found at www.southyorks.gov.uk.