A REPORT from an independent police assessing body has found Gwent Police has made “good progress” in achieving value for money – but improvements are still needed.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary yesterday published a report on how well Gwent Police has made savings since its last review in July 2014.

While it said Gwent Police has made good progress, HMIC ranked the force as “requiring improvement” which is third in a possible four categories below “outstanding” and “good”.

Gwent Police was facing a £4.1 million funding gap for 2015/16, but thanks to reductions in staff, a number of key areas and a council tax precept rise, the savings will be found.

Until 2018/19 the force is planning to save a total of £18.5 million - £9.8 million from its police officer and police staff budgets, £6.4 million from non-staff budgets and £2.3 million from an expected five percent precept increase.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent Ian Johnston said: “I am pleased that HMIC has recognised the good progress the Chief Constable and his team have made in demonstrating that they are well on track to securing the necessary savings to balance the books. This is no mean feat.”

But the commissioner also said the cuts to policing service are “brutal and dangerous”.

He said: “I honestly don’t think the scale of planned cuts to the police service over the next few years has been understood by the public or politicians.

“Gwent has already lost over 220 Police Officers as a result of cuts since 2010/11 and 170 staff members. We need the next government to consider very carefully the implication of further spending cuts.”

The HMIC Responding to Austerity progress report also revealed how “public satisfaction with the police remains a challenge in Gwent” with the number of dissatisfied victims of crime higher than the England and Wales average.

But the report said it also has “greater confidence that the force is taking the necessary measures” with plans to introduce a victims hub and have supervisors in the control room to deal with complaints as they come through.

Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said: “Through our programme of change - Staying Ahead 8 - we have developed secure financial plans alongside clearer financial governance.

“While we, along with all other police forces, know that we are facing financial challenges unknown at any other time in the history of the police service, we will adapt to whatever challenges we face."