'Crime falling' despite £2.5bn police budget cuts

Crime in England and Wales has fallen by 14% over the past four years despite forces cutting £2.5bn from their budgets, HM Inspector of Constabulary Zoe Billingham has said.

But Ms Billingham also warned that future savings could not be found using the current model, adding that the way in which the police is funded and structured must become more efficient.

Police Federation chairman Steve White said that staff have been placed under huge stress following existing budget cuts.

He argued that further savings would be unmanageable, saying that there comes a point "where you've got to draw a line".

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday 22 July.