The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said it is preparing for budget cuts of up to six per cent next year.

PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton told UTV News: “We are currently at the start of a budget planning process where we have been invited to scenario plan for up to a 6 per cent cut.

“Part of that exercise will give me the opportunity to outline the risks and opportunities of any future reductions to police funding and already the PSNI have identified potential implications of further cuts.

“Ultimately however the matter of budget cuts are political decisions.”

Mr Hamilton also commented on a recent Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) report which highlighted a heavy reliance on overtime resources and high levels of long-term sickness.

It also noted around 20 per cent of PSNI officers will be eligible for retirement in the next three years, raising skills concerns.

Mr Hamilton said: “The recent HMIC report provides helpful commentary on the PSNI’s capacity with regard to current and future policing demands and while officer numbers are an important part of any assessment process they are only one element.

“The use of managed services, investment in technology and more agile working practices are all examples of other components of capability that will be considered in the budget planning process.”