Sue Mountstevens concerned over police funding formula

Sue Mountstevens insisted her concerns are "not a cry for more money"

Avon and Somerset's police and crime commissioner has written to MPs over a proposed funding formula which could see the region losing 300 officers.

Sue Mountstevens said the government's formula does not give enough importance to the population of the area.

She said: "This is about Avon and Somerset taxpayers' money going to other policing areas with none of the same demand that [the area] faces.

The police funding formula consultation closes on 15 September.

But Ms Mountstevens insisted her concerns are "not a cry for more money".

"I completely understand that policing, along with other unprotected areas of public spending, must share in the reductions required to reduce the government's budget deficit," she said.

"This is about Avon and Somerset taxpayers' money going to other policing areas with none of the same demand that Avon and Somerset faces.

"Put simply, the proposed new funding formula would mean far fewer officers on the beat to keep people safe within Avon and Somerset."