DPP warns staff cuts will impact on caseload

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has warned he will not be able to process enough criminal cases next year if threatened staff cutbacks take place.

James Hamilton said his office was under orders to rein in costs while at the same time having to find money for pay increases.

“The entire civil service has been told there is going to be no extra money, yet we are going to have to pay an extra 3.5% in staff costs and we are going to have to meet that by cuts in staff,” Mr Hamilton said.