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Concerns Over Funding Cuts in London Policing
Sir Mark Rowley, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has expressed serious concerns that without increased government funding, key crime reduction targets may not be met. He cautions that the current financial situation could lead to rises in knife crime, violence against women, and theft in London.
In a report set to be discussed by the London Policing Board, Rowley emphasizes the importance of transparency, stating that the Met must inform Londoners that the organization is facing reductions due to budget constraints.
The commissioner noted that although funding from the Home Office and City Hall had improved the Met’s financial outlook—bringing it nearly £100 million better than projected in November 2024—the restructuring still leaves a significant funding gap. This situation previously threatened the organization with potential cuts totaling £450 million.
Rowley emphasizes that without further financial support in the upcoming June spending review, the government risks failing to fulfill its commitments to reduce knife crime by half and tackle violence against women over the next decade.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed that a financial review of the Metropolitan Police is underway, in conjunction with the mayor’s office and Scotland Yard.
The report indicates that the force is aiming to expand to 38,000 officers and 19,000 staff, while projections estimate it will end the year with only 31,248 officers and 10,972 staff. Rowley anticipates a loss of about 1,700 personnel, but hopes that additional funding could accelerate recruitment and mitigate some of these losses.
‘Less Capacity, Increasing Demand’
The report warns of a potential rise in crime rates should additional investment not materialize. Rowley highlights that the Met will face “less policing capacity and capability” at a time when demand for services is on the rise.
“The resulting impact on our ability to respond to victims of crime will be significant,” he states, noting that this situation could impede both community service and operational reforms.
Earlier in the month, the Met outlined potential savings measures aimed at maintaining essential services such as neighborhood policing and public safety teams that focus on sexual offences and domestic violence. These measures may involve dismantling the Royal Parks police and Safer Schools officers, alongside cuts to forensic services, mounted police, and potentially scaling back the firearms capabilities of the Flying Squad.
Rowley’s report also underscores the financial obstacles that could hinder necessary reforms, as the force strives to rebuild following criticisms highlighted in a major review by Baroness Casey two years ago.
The report highlights the government’s manifesto promises, stating that “halving knife crime and VAWG will be impossible without substantial reductions in London.” Rowley argues that investing in crime prevention not only contributes to public safety but also stimulates economic growth; he notes that London could lose upwards of £36.5 billion annually due to crime, asserting that every £1 spent on policing could add at least £4 to the nation’s GDP.
Moreover, Rowley indicates that without additional funding, the Met may be forced to close “up to half our current buildings” due to safety and compliance issues.
Source
www.bbc.com