SCOTLAND’s top cop has revealed the force will have to scale back recruitment after Labour’s national insurance hike.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell issued a grim warning over the financial impact as she revealed the need for rethink over hiring rookie cops.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell was speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority[/caption]
The cost implications of the public inquiry into Sheku Bayoh’s death were highlighted[/caption]
She also pointed to the cost implications of the ongoing Public Inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh – including the prospect of having to fork out a pay award.
She warned yesterday: “There are very few levers to achieve further savings, other than reducing the workforce.”
She told the Scottish Police Authority of the need to review the force’s recruitment plan as part of a cost-saving exercise.
Ms Farrell said plans to bring in the next wave of probationers next month would go ahead but said question marks hang over future recruitment – if additional costs, totalling £25.3m, were not fully funded.
She said: “We remain in close and constructive discussions with the Scottish Government, including this week, and the current indication is we will be supported with 50 per cent of the costs.
“I previously welcomed their budget proposals, which enabled us to progress the vision and business plan, which was endorsed by the Authority, while also maintaining our workforce.
“At the same time, I was explicit that additional employer National Insurance costs facing Police Scotland in 2025-26, following an announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October, should be met in full.”
Ms Farrell pointed to the £200m cost cutting measures already absorbed by the beleaguered single force – which is expected to find further £9m in savings during the coming financial year.
She insisted balancing the books was a “priority” but noted more than 86 per cent of the force’s costs is spent on pay.
She told the watchdog: “The 2025-26 budget for policing is very challenging, and already includes a requirement to achieve £9m of efficiencies.
“We must also anticipate pay award costs and further costs associated with the Public Inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh.
“There are very few levers to achieve further savings, other than reducing the workforce.
“As outlined in my report, we are committed to another recruitment intake next month, but we are reviewing our recruitment profile for the coming financial year.
“My commitment to ongoing reform is evidenced through our 2030 vision and our three year business plan.
“We are turning over every rock to achieve further efficiencies to build an effective and sustainable operating model which delivers for communities.
“Constraints on funding will slow the progress of work that’s started and which is planned.”
We told in November of fears a hike in National Insurance from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent would lead to job cuts across the country.
Shona Robison accused Labour of ushering in “austerity through the back door” despite getting £300million to cover tax hikes.
The Nats’ Finance Secretary insisted she needs £450million more than that after employers’
She said: “ Labour expect the shortfall to be absorbed by cuts to services.”
But a UK Government source insisted Nats had “no more excuses” for their own “budget black hole” created by their “financial mismanagement”.
Scottish Tory Liam Kerr says reduction in cop recruitment would be “devastating”[/caption]
Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP said: “This stark warning from the Chief Constable is damning evidence of the damage sustained SNP cuts are continuing to have on Police Scotland.
“Any reduction in recruitment plans would have a potentially devastating impact on public safety and on ensuring officer numbers are at the level required to keep communities safe.
“Labour’s punitive hike in National Insurance is also clearly having a major effect on any plans to hire more officers.
“They are already being asked to fight crime with one hand tied behind their back. A double whammy of SNP cuts and Labour tax rises would result in the police relying on officer goodwill which is simply not sustainable.
“Ministers must listen to these warnings from top bosses and fully fund our police with the resources they need to do their job.”
