Farron: Conservative cuts are eroding police numbers

Conservative cuts are eroding police numbers, according to South Lakes MP Tim Farron. Tim has called for the government to set out its plans for Cumbria Police and for officer numbers to be protected. Figures obtained by Tim reveal that officer numbers have fallen by more than 3% in the last year.

The figures show that between 2012 and 2015, while the Lib Dems were part of the coalition government, there was a 2% increase in the number of police officers. However, over the last year this trend has been reversed. Between 2015 and 2016 Cumbria Police has seen the number of police officers it employs reduced by more than 3%.

Tim has tabled a parliamentary question calling on the government to set out its plans for the police force and confirm whether further reductions in the police force are expected.

Tim said: "Although the Conservatives scrapped their most damaging cuts to our police, these figures show that police numbers are still being slowly eroded. Compared to last year there are now 36 fewer officers patrolling our streets and keeping our area safe.

"The government needs to explain what will happen to funding for our police force, and to reassure local people that police numbers will not be slashed further. Cumbria might not have a huge population but it covers a vast area, and that means officers are needed to cover it.

"Our police do a great job, but they need the resources to keep bobbies on the beat."