Commenting on news that a single national police force could face a VAT bill of £22million every year, Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP said:

“This is just the latest setback for the SNP’s plans to centralise our police service.

“Concerns have already been raised by APCOS that the centralisation agenda could cost jobs and COSLA has warned that there could be more political interference as the force is nationalised.

“News that the re-organisation will cost an annual VAT bill of £22 million is another sign that this plan is ill-thought out and a threat to local accountability of our police force.

“The SNP should recognise the flaws in their centralisation agenda and stop their power grab.”