Back office posts in firing line at Met

SCOTLAND Yard accountants are at risk as the Metropolitan Police battles to cut costs.

A review of the London force's financial services department said that it is "dysfunctional" with too many staff and levels of management. Internal documents revealed bosses are concerned about a "widespread silo work culture" and "limited delegated decision-making".

Officials proposed a shake-up to save 2 million by slashing 46 posts and streamlining back-office functions.

The move is part of a wider drive to cut spending as the Met faces a huge budget squeeze. The force has already announced a raft of measures to address a yearly budget deficit of about 255m.