Police officers could be cut by 2,300 next year due to budget gap

The Met may need to cut 2,300 officers and 400 staff next year as a result of a £450million funding shortfall, its commissioner has said.

Sir Mark Rowley told the London Policing Board yesterday that selling off police buildings, and the use of reserves was no longer an option for the force.

The commissioner said: “The financial constraints we face mean we will be forced to take tough choices to reduce the service we offer Londoners.

“This comes at a time when the demand on our services is increasing.”

Cuts will affect tackling serious violence and organised crime by the Flying Squad and removing its firearms capability, the forces dogs unit and its mounted branch, and could be made as soon as January, according to Sir Mark.

The commissioner said the budget gap has been driven by unfunded pay increases, reserve exhaustion and the continued need to invest in reform.

Pictured top: Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley (Picture: PA)