A major report published today shows that Cleveland Police Authority leads the way in delivering savings—demonstrating, says Authority Chair Dave McLuckie, that ‘we are as well prepared as possible to face up to the financial challenges ahead.’
The report from Her Majesty Inspectorate of Constabulary shows that between 2004 and 2008 the Authority achieved £15.2million in ‘cashable’ savings—in other words improvements resulting in tasks being performed at a cheaper cost—equivalent to 88 per cent of its total efficiency savings, the highest percentage figure for any police authority in England and Wales.
Said Councillor McLuckie “Given that we are one of the smaller forces and authorities, to have delivered a higher percentage level of cashable savings than many much larger authorities is, I believe, a major achievement and a tribute to the efforts put in by the authority, working with the Chief Constable and his team.
“The report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary is aimed at examining how well authorities are prepared for dealing with the major cuts in Government funding we know we will face over the next four years...at least 20 per cent and perhaps even more.
“The Inspectorate point out that during a period of cuts ‘cashable savings will be the order of the day.’ We have demonstrated that we can deliver value for money, driving down costs at the same time as reducing crime and improving public safety.
“The report suggests that some authorities may not be as well prepared as others for the new era of austerity—but I believe that, as their findings indicate, Cleveland is as well placed as any for the challenges ahead.
“Of course, the figures in the report relate to the period between 2004 and 2008 and since then we have maintained the drive to improve efficiency and effectiveness—including our partnership agreement with Steria, the first of its kind in the country, which will deliver improved services to the public, protection for staff...and £50million in savings over the ten years of the contract.”