Introduction

Metropolitan Police to Close Half of Front Desks Amid Budget Pressures

The Metropolitan Police Service (Met) is preparing to shut down nearly half of its police station front desks across London as part of a cost-cutting strategy, citing growing budget constraints and operational shifts in how the public reports crime.

Reduction from 37 to 19 Counters

According to internal plans seen by the BBC, the number of public-facing counters in London will be reduced from 37 to just 19. These counters allow residents to speak face-to-face with police officers at their local stations. The proposed changes would mark a significant reduction in physical access to policing services, particularly in more remote areas of the capital.

This move breaks a key promise made by the Met Police to maintain at least one 24/7 staffed counter in each of London’s 32 boroughs. Only eight front desks will now remain open around the clock, with others operating reduced hours—closing by 10pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends.

Official Response and Justification

A Met spokesperson acknowledged the plans but clarified that a formal consultation process is underway and that no closures will be finalized before the end of the year. “Given the Met’s budget shortfall and shrinking size, it is no longer sustainable to keep all front counters open,” the spokesperson said.

The force argues that only about 5% of reported crimes in 2024 were filed in person at these counters—roughly 47,000 out of nearly one million incidents. Most Londoners now report crimes by phone, online, or directly to officers in the community.

The Met says closing some counters will allow it to reallocate resources and put more officers into frontline roles in local neighbourhoods.

Tension Between Reform and Accessibility

The decision comes at a sensitive time for the Met, which is still grappling with a crisis of public trust following a series of high-profile scandals, including the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer and reports of institutional racism and misogyny. In response, the Met launched its “New Met for London” strategy, promising improved community engagement and accountability.

One of the key pledges of that strategy was the maintenance of at least one 24/7 public access point in each borough. The leaked closure plans have raised concerns about the sincerity of that commitment.

Political and Financial Pressures

Last month, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley issued a rare public appeal to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, warning that further budget cuts would force police to make “stark choices” about which crimes they could continue investigating.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper faced tense negotiations with the Treasury to secure departmental funding, eventually becoming the final cabinet member to strike a deal.

Labour has committed to halving both knife crime and violence against women and girls. Yet such goals are increasingly seen as at odds with the growing financial strain on police services.

Future of Crime Reporting

Despite concern over reduced physical access, police insist that new digital and mobile reporting options provide efficient alternatives. However, critics argue that not all members of the public—especially the elderly or vulnerable—are comfortable using online platforms to report serious incidents.

The Home Office has so far declined to comment on the situation, while a statement from the Mayor of London is still awaited.

As the consultation process continues, the public and advocacy groups are expected to weigh in on whether financial efficiency should come at the cost of community accessibility and trust.