Metropolitan Police Facing £260 Million Budget Shortfall Despite Funding Increases
Significant cuts are anticipated as the UK’s largest police force reports continued financial challenges.
The Metropolitan Police Service, the largest police force in the UK, has reported a £260 million budget shortfall despite recent funding increases from both central and local government.
Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, announced a £10 million financial boost from City Hall, alongside £73 million from the central government, amounting to a total funding of £1.159 billion for the fiscal year 2025/26.
This announcement follows a warning from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley in December, indicating a staggering £450 million budget deficit that could necessitate a reduction of 2,300 officers and 400 staff members.
The recent funding increases, while welcomed, have not fully resolved the financial challenges facing the force.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the financial support but emphasized that it must still implement cuts to its services.
The spokesperson stated, "While this new funding decreases our original funding gap from £450 million, it leaves us with a £260 million shortfall and we will have to make substantial tough choices, reducing our size and services."
The outlook for the force remains grave, with decisions regarding budget cuts likely to impact the safety and policing capabilities within London.
Specific areas potentially facing reductions include the anti-robbery Flying Squad and the department responsible for firearms officers, as well as the Royal Parks Police.
Other anticipated decreases include cuts to police dogs, the mounted branch, reduced opening hours for police counters, and a decline in investigations of cold cases.
The sizeable budget gap is attributed to rising operational costs, underfunded pay increases, the financial burden of maintaining facilities, and escalating demand for police services.
This dire financial situation persists even after a government funding boost announced in December.
The Mayor of London’s office has confirmed that the Metropolitan Police will receive an additional £320 million in the upcoming year, totaling a £83 million increase since January.
Mayor Khan reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the police in their efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety, stating, "Bearing down on crime and keeping Londoners safe is my top priority as Mayor."
He noted that despite the record funding, the Metropolitan Police continues to face financial difficulties rooted in over a decade of budget cuts from the previous administration.
The Mayor expressed optimism about collaborating with the new Government and the police commissioner ahead of a forthcoming spending review that could clarify future funding levels for the force.
Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, announced a £10 million financial boost from City Hall, alongside £73 million from the central government, amounting to a total funding of £1.159 billion for the fiscal year 2025/26.
This announcement follows a warning from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley in December, indicating a staggering £450 million budget deficit that could necessitate a reduction of 2,300 officers and 400 staff members.
The recent funding increases, while welcomed, have not fully resolved the financial challenges facing the force.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the financial support but emphasized that it must still implement cuts to its services.
The spokesperson stated, "While this new funding decreases our original funding gap from £450 million, it leaves us with a £260 million shortfall and we will have to make substantial tough choices, reducing our size and services."
The outlook for the force remains grave, with decisions regarding budget cuts likely to impact the safety and policing capabilities within London.
Specific areas potentially facing reductions include the anti-robbery Flying Squad and the department responsible for firearms officers, as well as the Royal Parks Police.
Other anticipated decreases include cuts to police dogs, the mounted branch, reduced opening hours for police counters, and a decline in investigations of cold cases.
The sizeable budget gap is attributed to rising operational costs, underfunded pay increases, the financial burden of maintaining facilities, and escalating demand for police services.
This dire financial situation persists even after a government funding boost announced in December.
The Mayor of London’s office has confirmed that the Metropolitan Police will receive an additional £320 million in the upcoming year, totaling a £83 million increase since January.
Mayor Khan reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the police in their efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety, stating, "Bearing down on crime and keeping Londoners safe is my top priority as Mayor."
He noted that despite the record funding, the Metropolitan Police continues to face financial difficulties rooted in over a decade of budget cuts from the previous administration.
The Mayor expressed optimism about collaborating with the new Government and the police commissioner ahead of a forthcoming spending review that could clarify future funding levels for the force.
