South Yorkshire Police is drawing on its reserves to cover operational costs after discovering a significant £65 million budget shortfall, officials confirmed. The financial errors, uncovered in 2024, emerged following a transfer of responsibilities from the former police and crime commissioner (PCC) role to the region's mayor, Oliver Coppard.

The force is now utilizing its financial reserves to ensure it can continue to meet its day-to-day expenses. Details surrounding the specific nature of the errors have not been fully released, but the discovery coincides with a restructuring of financial oversight within the police department. The transfer of authority to Mayor Coppard involved a review of existing financial processes and responsibilities, which ultimately led to the identification of the discrepancy.

Prior to the transfer, the PCC was responsible for overseeing the police and crime plan and managing the force’s budget. With Mayor Coppard assuming these duties, a deeper examination of the force's finances was undertaken. The scale of the £65 million shortfall has raised concerns about financial management within the police department and prompted scrutiny of past practices. Further investigation is expected to determine the root causes of the errors and to implement measures to prevent similar issues in the future.

Oliver Coppard’s office has stated they are working closely with South Yorkshire Police to address the situation and ensure the force's continued ability to serve the community. The use of reserves will provide immediate financial stability, while a thorough review is conducted to understand and rectify the underlying issues. The police force is committed to transparency and will provide updates as more information becomes available.