02 June 2006
Police figures are sceptical that Home Secretary John Reid's apparent willingness to slow down the controversial police merger programme will result in any significant change of plan.
Police authority insiders said Reid was too vague when he suggested that he was prepared to move at a 'slightly different pace' in areas with strong opposition to mergers.
One said it had been difficult to pin down the home secretary's meaning, adding: 'People hear what they want to hear.'
Cleveland Police Authority is demanding a judicial review of plans to force it to merge with neighbouring Northumbria and Durham. It wants the plans to be postponed for a year while other options, such as improved cross-border working, are considered.
Cleveland chief constable Sean Price said: 'We believe that the indication from the new home secretary that he wishes to allow a more considered timetable for the process is a positive step forward and that it will hopefully allow for a thorough examination of all the options which will enable us to meet the many challenges of twenty-first century policing.'
West Mercia is also due to decide on whether or not to pursue legal action, and Essex will make a similar decision next month.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: 'The home secretary is working closely with police forces and authorities on restructuring and… will not make a final decision until he has carefully considered all views.'
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