MERSEYSIDE’S Police and Crime Commissioner has warned against further government cuts and their ‘inevitable’ impact on frontline services.

The government has announced that Merseyside Police’s general grant will be reduced by 4.8% next year, a reduction of around £12 million.

Jane Kennedy, Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, said she would work with the Chief Constable to ensure the impact on frontline policing was minimal.

She said: “I am disappointed with the reduction of the police grant, especially as it is more than was expected due to the Home Office top-slicing the grant to fund new national initiatives.

“Merseyside Police has lost more than 1,200 police officers and staff since 2010.

“Despite this, the organisation has managed to maintain vital frontline policing services due to a comprehensive review of all force departments.”

Ms Kennedy, who was elected as Police and Crime Commissioner in November 2012, added: “I am currently working with the Chief Constable to set a balanced budget for next year that minimise the impact on frontline policing.

“However, the force cannot continue to make this level of savings in future  years without seeing an inevitable impact on the service Merseyside Police can provide.

“I am extremely concerned that not only the police, but also our local authority partners are seeing their budgets continually slashed, putting at risk the critically important work being done to keep the communities of Merseyside safe.”