Police overtime costs doubled

The force ran up a bill of £23.5 million during 2005/06 – compared to £8.7 million in 1997/98.

The data has reignited the debate on police numbers and as to whether too much red tape is keeping bobbies tied to their desks catching-up with paperwork – or if costs are being driven by an increase in duties and specialist tasks and operations, such as fighting terrorism.

Staffordshire Police's officer overtime costs have almost doubled, rising from £3.1 million to £6.1 million in the last decade, while in Shropshire, West Mercia's costs have risen from £2.7 million to £4.1 million.

The data was disclosed to MPs by Home Office Minister Tony McNulty in a Commons written answer.

Spokesmen for all three forces said deployments of officers to major incidents, such as the July 7 terror attacks in the capital, were a major contributing factor.

A West Midlands Police spokesman described 2005/06 as "a significant year" during which officers were also deployed to deal with an evacuation of Birmingham city centre following the recovery of four suspect packages, disturbances in Lozells and a freak tornado in the south of the city.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman cited the Yoxall Inquiry – an investigation into the desecration of Gladys Hammond's grave in St Peter's churchyard by animal rights extremists – the G8 summit and V Festival as examples of times when officers needed to work extra shifts.

A West Mercia Police spokeswoman said increases in wages since 1997 were also a factor. She said a 2003 target to cut police officer overtime costs by 15 per cent in three years had been met.

"The force will continue to ensure that it is able to provide appropriate officer resources at key events and operations," she added.