Police job cuts postponed after last-minute government cash

THE FORCE WAS LOOKING AT IMMINENT LAY-OFFS TO DEAL WITH A £14M BLACK HOLE

- BY LAYCIE BECK

CUTS at Lincolnshire Police have been delayed for a few months after the government agreed to provide millions of pounds in extra funding.

The force had warned that it may need to cut 400 jobs over the next three years amidst a £14m black hole in this year's budget.

The government will provide £5.7m in special grants and upfront payments after months of negotiations, although Lincolnshire's Police and Crime Commissioner says a long-term solution is still needed.

Chief Constable Paul Gibson will now halt any plans for large-scale redundancies until the autumn.

Talks on the force's financial future will continue after the government's spending review has provided a clearer picture of what it can expect over the next few years.

The government claims it has increased funding to police forces since coming into office.