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Met Police Scales Back Front Counter Cuts, Keeps 27 Open and Limits 24/7 Access to Two Sites

The move is part of a £260 million savings programme to redirect staff toward priority neighbourhood policing.

Overview

  • Two front counters at Charing Cross and Lewisham will remain open round the clock, with the other 25 operating 10am–10pm on weekdays and 9am–7pm at weekends.
  • The revised plan maintains £7 million in savings toward closing a £260 million funding gap and is expected to free more than 2,900 police officer hours per month as 95% of reports now come via phone, online or directly to officers.
  • Following public engagement, the Met retained more sites than first proposed, including Edmonton and Tottenham, shifting from an initial plan that would have axed more counters.
  • Ten counters will close entirely, with 24/7 desks at Kensington, Harrow, Wimbledon, Twickenham and Chingford set to shut and reduced-hours sites at Pinner, Barking, Church Street, Royalty Studios and Mitcham to close.
  • Unions and campaigners continue to oppose the changes, warning of reduced in-person access and potential job losses, while the Mayor welcomed the broader access model and cited City Hall funding support.