Wolverhampton North East MP, Emma Reynolds, has spoken of her concern over the unfair police cuts to the West Midlands Police Force which it is feared will leave the region’s police understaffed.In Parliament, Emma argued that the cuts to the West Midlands police force were unfair and disproportionate given the relative need and demand of the force. In contrast, some forces have received an increase in police officer numbers, such as Surrey police force which has 91 more officers than in 2010.

Speaking during a debate on cuts to the police cuts, Emma said:

“West Midlands police force is going to suffer another £25 million cut, which is a huge amount to take out of its budget. We have lost more than 900 police officers since the general election. Will he agree to look at the implications for big police forces like those in the West Midlands, where there are high policing demands and needs, of the effect that the application of the floors and ceilings has on their budgets?”

Following her question in Parliament, Emma said:

“I am deeply worried that the loss of over 900 officers from the West Midlands Police Force will result in the good work the force does being undermined as they struggle to cope with doing the same job with fewer officers.

It is simply unacceptable and unfair that whilst the West Midlands has been forced to make such heavy cuts, other forces have received funding for an increase in the number of officers they employ.”

February 2013