Police to use reserve funds to avoid job cuts

Lincolnshire Police said it was facing cutting 200 offices and 200 other staff unless it receives extra funding

A police force is to use all of its reserve funds to avoid cutting jobs.

Lincolnshire Police said it faced losing up to 200 police officers and 200 support staff without extra funding.

Chief Constable Paul Gibson said he was in negotiations with the government about its finances.

The BBC has contacted the Home Office for a response.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the force will be able to maintain its current levels of service for now, but it will be financially vulnerable next year.

The worst-case scenario would have reduced police officer numbers from 1,200 to 1,000 and cut other staff by 20%.

The reserves will be used to maintain current staff levels and fill urgent vacancies, which have been growing due to the uncertainty.

In July, seven MPs wrote to the Home Office to share "bankruptcy concerns" over the financial situation faced by Lincolnshire Police.

The letter stated the force was at risk of having to issue a Section 114 notice, which would mean it may have to declare itself effectively bankrupt.

Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Paul Gibson said the force needs more funding

Chief Constable Gibson said: "We continue to have productive and positive conversations with the Home Office and look forward to meeting with the new Policing Minister Sarah Jones to discuss our funding situation and the need for long-term stability – a discussion that will hopefully be possible soon.

"As a result of our exploration of an operating model that would have to reduce staff numbers by 20% and officer numbers by around 200 to 1,000 in order to meet our budget gaps, it is evident that this model would not allow the delivery of adequate services to the public of Lincolnshire.

"I have agreed with PCC Marc Jones that we will pause on making any reductions and will use our limited remaining funds to maintain our current levels of service and recruit into roles of essential need, as the service is already strained due to vacancies we have been holding while we await clarity on finances."

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