Thames Valley Police achieves £5.3m underspend

Savings made downsizing Thames Valley Police have resulted in a projected underspend of £5.3m according to a new report by the police authority.

Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood said reductions had been made in staff, overtime and estate costs in 2011/12.

He said he hoped to invest additional savings into front line policing but that the £5.3m underspend was separate.

Thames Valley Police has to find about £16m worth of savings in the next financial year.

Mr Habgood said: "This is getting us ready for more cuts we are going to need to make next year."

Graham Smith, from the Thames Valley Police Federation, which represents police officers, said: "Any underspend now should be spent on operational policing needs in the future."