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Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Austerity cuts and Cumbria Constabulary

Response to HMIC Report ‘Responding to austerity’


Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “I welcome the HMIC assessment that Cumbria Constabulary is making ‘good’ progress in achieving its savings targets at the same time planning for the future.  The Constabulary has performed well in the first three years of the spending review.  It has achieved the savings required, protected as much as possible of the front line and maintained high levels of satisfaction. 

“As part of my public monthly Executive Board meetings I already hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure that he is delivering the savings required and planning for the future.  The HMIC report idientifies a number of challenges to Constabulary funding in the future especially in potential change in the government policy for allocating funding. 

“These are challenging financial times and there are still significant savings to be made in the future.  However, good financial planning is in place to ensure resources are used to keep Cumbria a safe place.”

Deputy Chief Constable Jerry Graham said:

“The Constabulary remains committed to providing the county with the best possible policing service we can afford, through this challenging financial time.

“We have delivered savings of £14 million by restructuring and changing the way we work whilst protecting the frontline as much as possible. We are continuing to look at new innovative digital and mobile methods of working to help Officers remain visible and accessible in their communities.

“The Constabulary continues to face major financial challenges and current budget forecasts that a further £10.4 million needs to be saved by 2017/18.

“Every effort is being made by the Constabulary in order to provide an efficient and high-performing policing service for Cumbria.”

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