asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to reimburse policeforces who, in complying with the Government's police force mergers, have incurred financial cost.[HL7010]

We are aware that police authorities may approach the Home Office to meet the additional costs they have incurred in preparing for mergers and we will consider any such approaches.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the estimated total cost to date incurred by the Home Office on its plans for police mergers and reorganisation throughout England and Wales, including the cost of civil servant time. [HL7182]

Between September 2005 and July 2006, the Home Office spent approximately £400,000 on staff costs—representing a team of permanent, temporary and seconded staff averaging 10 people during this period—and approximately £20,000 on legal costs. Expenditure on consultancy for assessing and refining police structures business cases is expected to be up to approximately £800,000. Other work has been undertaken as part of routine business, and the costs could not be identified separately.