RESPONSE TO THE CHANCELLOR’S BUDGET

“The chancellor’s budget does little for the police. There is extra money for counter terrorism but not regular policing, which the government knows is very stretched.

“This is the time of year when budgets for the next financial year have to be prepared. This means that some very stark choices will be facing us as we try to balance the books.

“I am asking the chief constable to look at every penny of spending to ensure that it is well used, but it is not going to be an easy time.

“In addition, South Yorkshire council tax payers continue to have to pay for the consequences of past wrongs at Hillsborough and in relation to child sexual exploitation. I shall be asking the Home Secretary for help with these costs since they have the potential to bend South Yorkshire finances out of shape.”