London’s Police Force Shrinking in the Face of Cuts
The Metropolitan Police are cutting over 1,700 officers, staff and PCSOs – a hard pill to swallow when violent crime and shoplifting are on the rise.
Why the Pits of Money Matter
- Mayor Sadiq Khan promises a £1.16 billion yearly boost to keep “935 neighbourhood positions” intact in a force that has long felt the pinch.
- Emergency teams – the ones we rely on in a crisis – will remain untouched.
- Royal Parks will lose visible policing, meaning fewer local experts on events and legislation.
- The Mounted Branch sees a 25% cut; Dogs drop 7%; the e‑bike theft & gang unit will be slashed by a staggering 55%.
What the Met Says
A spokesperson praised the fresh funding from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and the Home Office, noting it narrows the original £450 m gap to £260 m. But that still leaves the force with serious tough choices.
“We’re stretching our dedicated men and women to the limit,” the spokeswoman said. “The Commissioner is humbled by what they accomplish amid increased demand and a shrinking Met.”
“In the coming months, we’ll work with the Home Office, Mayor and MOPAC to put the Met on a financial footing that supports a sustainable workforce plan.”
Mayor Sadiq’s Rallying Cry
“The previous government underfunded us, cutting more than £1.1 billion in real terms,” Sadiq Khan warned. “This leaves us in a dire financial spot.” He pledged a record £1.16 billion, claiming it will “protect neighbourhood policing” and help the Met keep reducing violence, knife crime among young people, and burglary.
He added: “I’ll keep working with the new government and the Met ahead of the spending review to secure sustainable funding. London will be safer for everyone.”
While ambition is high, the challenge remains real. The Met must balance tight budgets with the fight against rising crime.
Stay in the Loop
Want real‑time updates on this story? Subscribe and never miss a beat.
