Autumn Statement: George Osborne protects police budget to help safeguard Britain from Paris-style terror attacks

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/autumn-statement-george-osborne-protects-police-budget-to-help-safeguard-britain-from-paris-style-a6748981.html

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Police numbers have been protected after fears George Osborne would wield the axe as part of a fresh round of spending cuts. 

In a major surprise, the Chancellor ruled out a cut in the policing budget as he delivered his three-year spending review in the House of Commons. 

Cuts as high as 20 per cent were reported in the run-up to the Comprehensive Review and Labour were demanding no more than 10 per cent be cut. 

Instead Mr Osborne said armed officer numbers will be boosted to safeguard Britain from a Paris-style terror attack. 

It comes after months of simmering tension between officers and the Home Office over possible cuts. 

The move will see overall spending on police increase by £900m in cash terms by 2019/20, although this also depends on income from local precepts - money raised through council tax by individual forces.

Mr Osborne said: “The public should be reassured that the police will have the resources they need to respond to new threats rapidly and effectively to keep people safe."