We still need cash, says Met after £73m lift

THE Metropolitan Police says it is still facing a £260 million budget shortfall and "substantial tough choices" over cuts despite funding increases from both central and local government.

- Margaret Davis

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced a £10m boost for the Met from City Hall and £73m from Whitehall, giving the force total funding of £1.159bn for 2025/26.

This came after warnings in December from Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley that the force had a £450m budget shortfall and may need to slash 2,300 officers and 400 workers. The force has more than 33,200 police and 11,200 staff.