Northern Ireland's police service is facing a £30 million budget cut within the next two years, it emerged today.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland's £750 million grant is to be reduced by £5.3 million over the next financial year. But the most worrying deficit will be ruled out over 2006 to 2007.
The chairman of the Policing Board, Professor Desmond Rea, has pledged to negotiate with the Northern Ireland Office, which notified them of the cut, in a bid to overturn the decision.
But he described the early indication of a £30 million shortfall as "most disturbing".
Prof Rea added: "I am pleased that the letter from the NIO shows that they understand this problem, and that it indicates their support for finding a workable solution closer to the time.
He promised that the board would keep up the pressure on the NIO to close the gap in funding.
PA