2012 policing will not fall victim to Treasury cost-cutting, vows Theresa May

"We won’t scrimp": Theresa May said efficiency had seen Games costs fall
12 April 2012

Home Secretary Theresa May today pledged not to "scrimp" on Olympic security, insisting every precaution necessary will be taken to protect the public during the 2012 London Games.

She said she was determined to ensure a "safe and secure Olympics" and accused critics of trying to scare Londoners by claiming government cost-cutting was putting the public at risk.

Spending on security is now expected to total £475million — £125million less than originally anticipated. The sharp reduction, coupled with separate cuts to Metropolitan Police funding over the next two years, prompted accusations from shadow home secretary Ed Balls that ministers were taking a "reckless gamble" with security.

But Mrs May today rejected that claim, saying the reduction was down to declining costs and greater efficiency, rather than Treasury-driven cost cuts.

"We will never scrimp on security. My focus, and the focus of everyone involved with the Games, is to deliver a safe and secure Olympics that London and the whole world can enjoy."

She emphasised that although the full £600million originally set aside was not expected to be needed, all the money would remain available in case costs topped the new estimate. Since the original 2007 assessment, she said, areas of duplication, unnecessary spending and overgenerous estimates had been identified.

"These changes have not been imposed by me or by the Chancellor to save money. They are what those responsible for leading the Olympic safety and security programme believe is appropriate.

"Their experience and detailed planning have shown it should be possible to deliver all of the necessary security measures for around £475 million."

It is anticipated that the official terrorist threat level will be "severe", as it is now, although the Games security blueprint is also intended to help cope with potential public order problems.

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