Met Police Faces Severe Budget Cuts Amid Funding Crisis

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warns of significant service reductions due to prolonged financial constraints.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has expressed deep concern over impending 'eye-watering' budget cuts that threaten the force's ability to maintain services in London.
The Met faces a precarious financial position due to cumulative budget reductions over the past decade, compounded by recent public sector spending targets.
Efforts to mitigate financial shortfalls, such as selling police stations and using reserves, have been exhausted, leaving limited options for further savings.
Rowley highlights that London spends significantly less per capita on policing compared to cities like New York and Sydney, underscoring the funding challenges.
The financial strain is impacting officer recruitment and retention, with a third of Met officers expected to have less than four years of service next year.