400 job cuts ‘will go ahead’ despite £35million cash boost

SCOTLAND’s crisis-hit single police force is ploughing ahead with plans to axe up to 400 officers – despite receiving a major financial boost in last year’s UK Budget.

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told the Mail the strategy would continue as the moves were ‘not driven solely’ by the need to save cash.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has said he wants assurances that more officers will leave desk jobs to go back on the streets before cuts go ahead.

But critics fear frontline manpower will drop despite the terror threat and rising violent and sexual crime.

Meanwhile, Chief Constable Phil Gormley is threatening action against the Scottish Government for blocking his return to work. He denies multiple bullying allegations. Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘The Scottish Conservatives fought hard to secure a VAT exemption for police, something the SNP has failed spectacularly to do.

‘Now that’s happened, it’s up to the Scottish Government to ensure that decision has some kind of positive impact.’

Chancellor Philip Hammond’s decision on VAT will save the police and fire services a year.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Police numbers remain at historically high levels. Planning through the Policing 202 programme will help ensure Scotland continues to benefit from a modern, responsive police service – including the right mix of officers and staff to keep people safe and meet emerging challenges.’