THE current police and crime commissioner for Cheshire is spending 70 per cent less on his expenses than his predecessor.

According to the commissioner's annual report, David Keane spent £1246.30 during 2017 to 2018 while, in his final year in office, John Dwyer accumulated £4,038.03 in expenses.

The drop has been linked to Mr Keane's decision not to claim car mileage and only travelling to essential appointments.

The figures were revealed in the annual report which looks back on the work carried out by the current commissioner and his office from April 2017 to March 2018.

Mr Keane said: "This year, I have also been able to implement a number of cost saving measures to reduce the cost of my office, providing better value for the taxpayer of Cheshire.

"This has involved a full restructure of my team, the removal of costly staff benefits and an office relocation which will save approximately £50,000 each year.

"I have also significantly reduced my expenses, and I’m now spending 70 per cent less than the previous commissioner on things like essential travel away from the office."

The report also details the financial pressures facing the force in the year ahead as Government cuts continue to bite.

He said: “Significant work has been done to deliver £5.4 million of savings over the last 12 months alone but as a result of the savings made totalling £60 million since 2010, our thin blue line is getting thinner.

“I have serious concerns about further savings we will be required to make by government over the next two years, and as a listening and campaigning commissioner, I will continue to press government on your behalf for fair and sustainable funding to ensure we can continue to keep Cheshire residents safe."

Chairman of Warrington Conservatives Paul Campbell has responded.

He said: "Here’s another example of Labour’s David Keane fudging figures and making claims that make no sense whatsoever.

"In a report that he wrote about himself he says his travel expenses have dropped because he’s decided to only travel to essential appointments.

"That explains why nobody ever sees him.

"Perhaps it’s time for him to get out of his office and meet residents so he understand the serious problems people in Warrington are facing as a result of increases in crime under his watch.

"He has saved himself the expense of travelling to force HQ each day by moving his office nearer to his home.

"I don't see how that move could save the taxpayer £50k pa as all police premises are in his estate and therefore cost neutral.

"The move itself will certainly have cost a substantial sum to instigate.

"In essence the taxpayer has paid to move his office closer to his home which has resulted in a saving for him."