Following the recent announcements that Cumbria could
potentially lose millions of pounds, there has been an “overwhelming” amount of
support from the local public and media.
Proposed changes to how money is allocated to police forces
in England and Wales (the funding formula), combined with forecasted cuts as
part of the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review, could mean that Cumbria
could face budget cuts of £26 million.
The Constabulary has already made £20 million worth of
savings by reducing officer and staff numbers, closing stations, and
restructuring the way policing works in the county.
Chief Constable Jerry Graham said “We have been overwhelmed by the level of public support we
have received in the face of potentially devastating cuts. I feel fortunate to
work with dedicated individuals and teams whose service is so important to the
people living in this county.
“Thousands of people across Cumbria have responded to news
of the cuts by signing a petition set up by local media (which can be found here),
making their views known across social media, and by contacting their local
MPs.
“This demonstration of support for policing in Cumbria has
been gratefully received by officers and staff working for the force in a
challenging time, during which they are continuing to provide the best policing
service we can afford to keep people safe.
“I have given my personal reassurance that we will do
everything we can to protect policing in Cumbria.”
A video is available online which outlines Mr Graham’s
concerns regarding the cuts - click
here to watch the film.
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