The police service is being asked to cut its budget by the Home Office, and one of its points is recommended starting salaries for constables in England and Wales to be reduced by £4,000. The Police Federation’s response to the BBC was: “How this is meant to fit in with the ambition of the Home Office to professionalise the police service and recruit the very best we do not understand.” The Home Office said Home Secretary Theresa May would consider these findings.