GMP told to make savings in every department - but bosses insist it's 'not controversial'

GMP's finance chief has asked all its departments to try and make savings of five to 15 per cent. But the force insists the move is good practice and "not controversial".

The force has denied suggestions it is overspent despite a surge in high-profile policing since new Chief Constable, Stephen Watson took over last year. And it is currently in the middle of a huge recruitment campaign.

In the last decade the force was hammered by deep cuts which commanders said impacted on its ability to deliver services. In July government inspectors said GMP is one of five forces which remain in special measures. It was amongst a list of forces which have been escalated to an "enhanced level of monitoring" known as Engage.

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Greater Manchester Police was placed in special measures in December 2020 after a watchdog report revealed an estimated 80,000 crimes had not been properly recorded. The scandal cost the then chief constable Ian Hopkins his job. The force is said to be improving although it remains in special measures.

Since new Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, took charge in June last year Chief Constable Watson, he has replaced almost all of his senior leadership team and now has ten new chief superintendents in charge of each district across the force. His 'back to basics' drive to turn around the force has seen high-profile action in every district under Operation Avro to disrupt organised crime, and target crime which blights communities including burglary, drug dealing, and anti-social behaviour.

The force has halved the time it takes to answer the most serious 999 calls, which last month was 29 seconds on