The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said the Metropolitan Police service (MPS) having to find £130m per year to pay extra pensions costs is likely to have an effect on the way violent crime is tackled.
Steve O’Connell, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee, said:
“It’s disappointing to hear more financial pressure will be placed on the Met at a time when there is public concern about policing in the capital.
“The safety of Londoners should never be compromised, so central government must constantly consider how much provision is being made for the Met.
“The Met has to find £400million of savings by 2020/2021 and that’s in addition to the £600 million that it has already saved. The Mayor needs to work with government to ensure any pension changes are fully funded separately and have no impact on the fight against crime.
“London faces unique challenges to any other region in the country when it comes to keeping its residents safe. We urge the Mayor and the government to work together to come up with a funding solution to ensure the Met receives the cash it needs.”
Notes to editors
- London's cash-strapped police must find £130m per year to pay extra pensions costs despite 'end of austerity' – The Independent
- Steve O’Connell, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee, is available for interview - see contact details below.
- London Assembly Police and Crime Committee
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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