MSPs urge police bosses to end power struggle

Holyrood's justice committee has issued an ultimatum to the new single police force and the Scottish Police Authority to resolve a so-called power struggle.

MSPs were disappointed that a dispute over who should have day-to-day control over human resources and finance had still to be sorted out.

Single police force boss Stephen House and police authority head Vic Emery are yet to agree a way forward.

The committee said it wanted the issue to be resolved by 18 January.

It has insisted that the two bodies should stop "empire building" and better inform their staff ahead of the new police service of Scotland coming into effect on 1 April.

In September, Mr House told MSPs he had been in talks with Mr Emery, chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, over who should have day-to-day control over human resources and finance.

The chief constable wants them under his supervision at the new police HQ, while Mr Emery has argued that they should remain closer to the civilian structure.

The Scottish government said it had brought in plans to merge the existing eight regional forces as a means of cutting costs without hitting frontline policing.

Following Scottish Parliament legislation, there will also be a new single fire service for Scotland.