Constabularies plan to merge

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Two constabularies are to merge, in the first force amalgamation for more than 30 years.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Police yesterday published a paper stating that a “full and voluntary merger is the preferred option”. They have forecast a combined budget gap of £40.6m over the next four years. At 6,200 strong, the new force would be the 10th largest in England and Wales and would deliver savings of £20.4m, the report, seen by Police Review magazine, says.

Jobs are expected to be lost in the merger. The union would have to go to public consultation and be approved by the Home Secretary.