Thames Valley Police are “absolutely delighted” that large policing cuts did not feature in the government’s spending review announcement today, as bosses say it will give them every opportunity to prevent crime.

There had been fears the police budget in England and Wales would face significant cuts, but Chancellor George Osborne today acknowledged the need to protect the service.

Following the announcement, TVP chief constable Francis Habgood, said: “I am pleased to hear today that the Chancellor has acknowledged the need to protect police services by deciding not to make further cuts to police budgets in the next year.

“Today is a good day for our communities and Thames Valley Police but we must also remember that we are still in times of austerity and we will continue to have some difficult choices to make about how we allocate our resources according to local priorities.”

He added: “We will continue to ensure that we maximise every opportunity to prevent crime, protect the public and bring offenders to justice.”

In recent weeks, Anthony Stansfeld Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, had spoken to both the Prime Minister and Home Secretary over the proposed cuts and the challenges it would bring to the delivery of front line policing.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that the very large cuts that were planned for policing have not gone ahead.

“We still need to look at the detail to understand fully what this means for Thames Valley Police’s budget. We will know more when we receive the details of our annual allocation in mid-December.”