Sources say cuts to force headcount remain ‘a possibility’ as Yvette Cooper last minister to reach spending agreement
The Home Office could still be forced to cut the overall number of police officers after lengthy spending review negotiations with the Treasury.
Whitehall sources said the department had been asked to look at all options including limiting officer recruitment, which would mean an overall cut in the headcount.
The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, was the last minister to reach a deal with the Treasury, with reports suggesting greater police spending would mean a squeeze on other areas of her department’s budget. A source said that cuts to police numbers remained “a possibility”.
Officials will also be expected to look at reducing the cost of the government’s accommodation for asylum seekers, which is expected to rise to £15.3bn.
