LEIGH's MP has slammed the Government by saying cuts to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) resources are not allowing the force to "tackle crime and keep neighbourhoods safe."

Questioning Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Jo Platt said the loss of 2,000 police officers on the streets of Greater Manchester since 2010 has placed GMP under pressure to carry out its duties to protect residents.

Speaking after her House of Commons debate, she said: “The cuts imposed on GMP since 2010 have seriously impacted the frontline services delivered across the region.

"This is placing the people of Greater Manchester at risk by not providing GMP with the resources they need to tackle crime and keep our neighbourhoods safe.

“Following last year’s terror attack at the Manchester Arena, the Home Secretary rightfully praised the bravery and professionalism of our police service.

"What sign does it give to people that the Home Secretary is continuing to ruthlessly cut GMP’s resources?”

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also weighed in with figures to dispute claims from the Government that police budgets were being protected.

He said: “The Government announced police budgets would be protected in November 2015 but the police grant we receive in Greater Manchester has, in fact, been cut by £8m since that time- this equates to the cost of 160 police officers.

"We have been forced to increase local tax bills to fill the hole in the police budget created by Government cuts- their claims to have protected our police budget were simply untrue.”

Mr Burnham also dismissed reports he has been withholding finance in reserves which could be used to support the police.

The force's general reserves has been listed at £13.2m- which is within the recommended range of £11.8-£14.6m.

The mayor has also agreed to use money from the reserves to fund a mental health programme to keep vulnerable people out of police cells.

Workplace opportunities are also being offered to people across Greater Manchester to stop them becoming victims or offenders of crimes.

Another scheme used from the pot is to pay for a unit to work with businesses and communities to prevent fraud and provide support to victims.

The Home Office has responded to Ms Platt's and Mr Burnham's comments by arguing there has been a two per cent increase in the "proportion of frontline officers" from March 2010 and March 2017.

A provisional police funding settlement also means force resources can increase by £270m if the council precept is utilised in the 2018/19 budget.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Police forces have the resources they need to do their vital work.

"Since 2015, we have protected police funding and we have recently announced a comprehensive settlement to strengthen local, national and counter terrorism policing.

"This will mean police funding will increase by up to £450 million next year.

“Greater Manchester Police can increase funding by around £10.4 million next year if the Mayor uses his council tax precept flexibility.

"In May 2017, Greater Manchester Police had reserves of almost £80 million.

“The Government is clear that police forces can improve productivity and increase efficiency.

"Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Fire Service has also said forces can be more ambitious with their plans to reform.”