MERSEYSIDE is set be one of the worst hit areas when savage police cuts are pushed through by the Government next week.
Police chiefs warned that because the force relies heavily on state hand-outs, the cuts here are likely to be felt much deeper than other parts of the country.
And they called on ministers yesterday to stop talking in “soundbites and headlines” and give them some firm detail as they try to balance the books amid rumours of losing 25% of their budget.
Because of the low unemployment and high benefit levels, as well as a dwindling population, on Merseyside only 16% of the police budget is generated through council tax payments.
That means, if the Treasury decides in next Wednesday’s Comprehensive Spending Review to slash, for example, 8% a year off its grant hand-outs across the board, Merseyside would be looking at losing 8% of the 84% of the budget it gets from Downing Street.
In preparation for next week’s review, where the Chancellor George Osborne is to set out reductions in public spending the coalition government hope will cut the country’s £150bn deficit, Merseyside police and the police authority have approved a first wave of cuts.
Chief Constable Jon Murphy said: “None of this is by choice. In the last five years, this force has been built up to become the best in the country with an outstanding reputation. We would not be doing this if we had a choice.
“We are disproportionately affected compared to others. There is only Northumbria Police who, I believe, will be worse affected than we are.
