Police force faces £7m budget gap amid rising demand

Chris Nelson (pictured) is working with the force's chief constable to find a solution

A police force has a £7m financial black hole due to increased demands and a funding freeze.

Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said he would do "whatever it takes to balance the books".

He added that "officer numbers are protected" but some are being used to fill police staff roles.

It has been estimated the force will need to save £7m in 2025/26, £10m in 26/27 and £12m in 27/28, a report states.

The Home Office has been approached for comment by the BBC.

The budget gap has also come from inflation and rising energy costs, and Mr Nelson said he is working with Chief Constable Rod Hansen to find a solution.

'Difficult to be hypothetical'

Mr Nelson said: "It's not an option not to balance the books, I have to balance the books. It's just not allowed. I will find a solution, I guess whatever it takes.

"It's very difficult to be hypothetical about what could be on the table or not.

"What I would say is the last time I canvassed the public I had very strong support for our residents to pay more to ensure they see greater visibility of police officers on our streets."

He said the government grant allocation will not arrive until December, and afterwards he will be told what he can do with the police precept.

"What I'm trying to do is improve the effectiveness of the force," he said.

"I did that in my first term to get them out of special measures, and in this term I'm more focused on efficiency and value for money."

The precept for Gloucestershire Constabulary rose in April to £13 a month - making the average home pay £308 for the force's services.