Statement from Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth

The following is a statement from Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth:

“Like many police forces and other public sector organisations across the country, Gloucestershire Police is currently navigating a very difficult set of financial challenges.

“We’ve been working hard for some time to find ways in which we can make savings and while we have made many, we’ve now run out of options.

“As a result, it’s with a significant degree of regret that yesterday (Monday 20 January) I informed colleagues across the service we expect to have to make a number of police staff posts redundant.

“Our people are our biggest asset and the very last thing we want to cut however we’re currently projecting we’ll need to find an extra £12.3m by the end of the next financial year (March 2026) in order to deliver a balanced budget.

“The recent increase in Government funding will fill some of the gap but we’ll remain with a substantial deficit.

“We’ve a statutory obligation to ensure we deliver for the public in a cost effective way and without any other viable funding options, we’ve no choice but to now enter into a period of collective consultation with UNISION to formally discuss redundancy proposals for some police staff posts.

“This will undoubtedly be a worrying time for many in our organisation and it may also concern our communities.

“While we’re unable to say at this stage which police staff roles will be at risk, I’ve reassured colleagues that all those affected will be kept fully informed and provided with any guidance and support they need.

“I’d also like to reassure all those who live, work and visit Gloucestershire that police officer numbers will not be cut.

“You can still expect to see officers out on patrol and should you be victim of a crime, we will still be there for you.

“Any decision to make a police staff post redundant will be carefully thought through to minimise the impact and to ensure we continue to provide the services the public deserve.”