THE CHIEF of South Wales Police has hit out at government spending cuts to police budgets, in a statement issued last week.

South Wales police and crime commissioner, Alun Michael, said that ongoing reductions in funding "cannot continue" if Wales is to be kept safe, in light of recent events.

"The events of recent weeks in the UK and the increasing demands on the police service have displayed why the way in which forces are funded has to change," said the commissioner.

"We have made tough decisions for a number of years in relation to how we deliver our services and our effective forward planning, combined with the innovative way in which we work with partners to keep South Wales safe, is why we are able to continue to meet financial challenges. But this situation cannot continue."

Mr Michael went on to say that the government's promise of additional finances to combat terrorism were in reality being taken from their existing budget.

"There has been no extra money," he said.

"Budgets have merely been altered to take money from elsewhere in order to fund these vital areas of policing which are so important to protect the public.

"The current police funding arrangements are seeing the money provided by the Home Office and central government cut significantly in real terms.

"The recent attacks in London and Manchester vividly demonstrate why we need a police service which can defend the public and maintain the safety of our communities."

The commissioner did state however that South Wales Police remained one of the better performing regions, in spite of the challenges presented by the current financial climate.

"South Wales remains the best value for money police force in terms of the cost to council tax payers in Wales," he said.

"Despite the financial challenges the force has consistently improved its performance and service to our communities and is recognised as one of the best performing forces in England and Wales."