The minister for policing has hit back at claims that Lincolnshire Police could become "unsustainable" within a few years if funding cuts continue.
Mike Penning responded to claims from Lincolnshire Police chief constable Neil Rhodes, and referred to independent studies that show falling crime and police forces across the country managing to balance budgets while protecting front line staff.
In a letter to Home Secretary Theresa May, Mr Rhodes said the proposed budget for the next few years would leave a £10.4m shortfall which would force him to axe a fifth of his frontline officers.
It is also claimed he said that bobbies on the beat would be a thing of the past across the county and it would take longer to respond to 999 calls.
Speaking to ITV, Mr Penning said: "Police reform is working and crime has fallen by more than a fifth under this government according to the independent Crime Survey for England and Wales.
"There is no question police will still have the resources to do their important work. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary recently found that forces can successfully manage to balance their books while protecting the front line and delivering reductions in crime.
"We have made it easier for the police to do their job by cutting red tape, scrapping unnecessary targets, and giving them the discretion to use their professional judgement.
"The government is already conducting a fundamental review of the way funding is allocated between force areas. This work is ongoing but we will consult with police forces and others in due course."
