Police protest over budget caps

The risk of capping means investment in some operations could be delayed

Police in Surrey have refused to approve their annual plan and targets over fears the government will put a limit on their budget.

Surrey was one of seven police authorities to be threatened with a budget cap for forcing council tax rises beyond the government's limit.

It could take up to three months for a final decision to be agreed.

At a meeting in Guildford, members endorsed the local policing plan, but would not give any official approval.

Mark Rowley, temporary Chief Constable of Surrey Police, said: "We will continue to pursue our priorities although we are being forced to delay and disrupt our plans."

Plan 'deplored'

He said the risk of capping meant investment in some operations would be delayed "until the funding situation becomes clearer".

Initiatives such as Operation Shield, which will tackle criminals who target Surrey from outside the county, and Operation Contest, an anti-terrorism plan, will be affected.

Jim Smith, chairman of Surrey Police Authority, said it "deplored" the government's plan.

He said: "The Authority worked very carefully through the options available as part of a three-year plan, and we are disappointed that the local Government minister has not even looked at our plan in making his decision.

'Great concern'

"The Authority calls on Government to give proper consideration to our proposals and recognise that the Authority's budget is part of a three-year plan."

He added: "A reduction of around �2m means Surrey Police will be prevented from effectively tackling the risks facing the public, and this causes me great concern."

Council tax gathered from local residents is shared among a number of bodies, including the council, police and fire services.

If any of these stakeholders demand an excessive share of the pot, then the council passes on a rise in council tax to residents.

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