Boris Johnson criticises London police funding changes
The London mayor has warned planned changes to the police funding formula would "severely disadvantage" the capital.
The government is currently seeking to change the way it allocates money to police forces in England and Wales. But, Boris Johnson told the London Assembly its impact "has not been properly thought through at all". Policing Minister Mike Penning said police funding must be put on "a long-term, sustainable footing". Mr Johnson, speaking at mayor's question time, resisted Labour calls to commit to a judicial review of the changes. But, he said he would not rule out a legal challenge, adding: "The option is not off the table." 'Out of date' Mr Penning said: "If we want policing in this country to be the best it can be, then we must reform further, and that includes putting police funding on a long-term, sustainable footing. "The current model for allocating police funding, is complex, opaque and out of date. That is why we have consulted on principles for reform... ensuring they are fair, robust and transparent." He pointed out allocations for individual police force areas have not been set and decisions not be made until a spending review, which starts next month. In June, the government launched a consultation on using a range of factors to decide how much forces receive, with a view to introducing the new model in the next financial year. The factors to be taken into account include population size and the number of council taxpayers. In November, the chancellor will announce the latest departmental spending review, which will set out the details of the Home Office budget beyond 2015-16. The Met believes it will face cuts of up to £1bn, prompting Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to say it would lead to a reduction in the number of front-line officers. But, the Home Office said forces would still have the resources to do their work.