“This seems to be yet another example of a piecemeal approach to trying to deal with cost cutting in the public sector. While we acknowledge that we cannot stand still and also reaffirm our commitment to help in the efficient running of the force, we are concerned about the Government’s approach.

“The Home Office keeps nibbling away at the police service and tinkering around its edges in the interests of saving money. Far-reaching plans for reform such as this need to be made on a basis of service effectiveness, not financial efficiency.

“The attention of the Home Affairs Committee seems to have strayed from the vision of what is required by our communities; namely an accountable, properly trained and led professional police service that continues to provide a first rate service to local people. We are not convinced that this can be delivered by wholesale, involuntary (and incredibly expensive) mergers nor the introduction of “private sector support”.

“We strongly suggest that rather than relying on what is the next thing on the National Policing Improvement Agency’s drawing board or what someone at the Home Office might come up with, let’s see the focus returning to communities through a meaningful and comprehensive review of policing.”