STROUD MP David Drew and Avon and Somerset’s PCC have hit out at the budget released by Chancellor Philip Hammond yesterday, saying there “were few real solutions” and overlooking the needs of police forces facing a ‘tipping point’.

Mr Drew said: “The jokes came thick and fast during the budget, but the state of our economy and public services is no laughing matter.

“Once we’ve looked at the details of this budget, the real question will be ‘Are we still smiling?’ 

“The Chancellor’s only gesture to the Universal Credit nightmare, which plunges vulnerable people into debt, was to give them a loan and simply extend the pay back time.

“And for public sector workers there was no good news on wages for people who have been stuck on the same level of pay for a decade.”

Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset PCC Sue Mountstevens claimed that calls for more funding over claims the force was at a “tipping point” had been ignored.

No additional funding was allocated to policing in the budget, despite a report being sent to the government by Mrs Mountstevens and chief constable Andy Marsh highlighting the threats, risks and consequences facing Avon and Somerset with diminished resources.

She said: “The current position is not sustainable and risks the safety of local people.

“With pay rises promised by the Government and costs rising by £8million a year, our Government grant does not cover the real cost of policing.

“The chief constable and I were clear with the Home Office and the Police and Fire Minister, when we presented our evidence to say that policing and the safety of our communities was at a crucial tipping point.

“To continue with the real-terms cuts the Government is risking the safety of those who live, work and visit Avon and Somerset.”