Police forces may have to merge
Ben KendallAn influential parliamentary report published today said funding cuts may lead to more police force mergers - as Norfolk police steps up collaboration efforts with neighbouring forces.Ben Kendall
An influential parliamentary report published today said funding cuts may lead to more police force mergers - as Norfolk police steps up collaboration efforts with neighbouring forces.
The cross-party House of Commons home affairs committee says that the police service will have to fundamentally re-think the way in which it provides back office functions in order to support the front-line.
It comes at a time when Norfolk police bosses are advocating merger with Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire police, and also reviewing its backroom services with a view to cutting civilian jobs. The force is also reviewing its backroom services with a view to cutting civilian jobs.
In some cases the government could order forces to collaborate more closely but voluntary mergers will also be considered.
You may also want to watch:
The report adds: 'It has also become clear to the committee that voluntary mergers can enable forces to make substantial savings. However it says the Home Office's voluntary merger exploration fund of �500,000 is a 'good first step' but is a 'drop in the ocean' compared to, for example, the likely �20m costs of the potential merger between Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.'
Most Read
- 1 Norwich restaurants and pubs reopening in April
- 2 Driver fined after leaving queue before entering Co-Op
- 3 New pasta and cocktail bar to open in Norwich
- 4 'Spoiled the enjoyment' - Park bench damaged as engraving cut off
- 5 Emma Thompson and Peaky Blinders actor to star in new film shot in Norwich
- 6 When can I go to the beach? Lockdown travel questions answered
- 7 Buy a former 1950s police station for sale for £330,000
- 8 Tributes to the 'face of Norwich bus station' after Covid death
- 9 'Stay local' warning and visitors fined after hundreds head to Sea Palling
- 10 £153m Western Link road delayed a third time