Fife police begins review of service
Fife Constabulary has begun a comprehensive review of its service in anticipation of significant budget cuts.
Mrs Graham.
- By Claire Warrender
- Published in the Courier : 01.09.10
- Published online : 01.09.10 @ 07.15am
Chief Constable Norma Graham is to be asked to submit initial proposals to Fife Council's police, fire and safety committee by the end of November, following publication of the Westminster government's spending review.
The revelation follows reports that police forces across Scotland could see a reduction of more than 2800 officers with budget cuts of 24% over four years.
If the projected cuts were implemented across all eight forces, Fife would lose 174 officers.
The UK spending review will be announced on October 20, with Scotland's budget published after that.
Mrs Graham said it is too early to accurately predict the effect the cuts will have.
A Fife Constabulary spokesman said, "The force has undertaken a comprehensive review of all aspects of business in anticipation of significant budgetary cuts. Once this exercise is complete we will have a clearer indication of the impact on officer numbers and support staff posts."
In a report to go before the police, fire and safety committee tomorrow, the council's head of finance, Brian Lawrie, said it was "imperative" to consider options to address the savings required while maintaining essential services.
"Our overall aim must be to maintain front-line service delivery, including longer- term prevention activities, during the forthcoming years of anticipated resource constraints," he said.
"In light of continuing developments at a national level and the publication of the spending review in late October, it is recommended that the chief constable submit initial budget proposals to a future meeting of the committee, and no later than November 30."
The Fife force has previously admitted the scale of the cuts predicted will mean a reduction in the level-and possibly the breadth-of the services provided.
However, it said there was "an absolute determination" to minimise the impact on front-line services and staff.
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