CRIME levels may soar after the Government slashes police budgets by 20%.

A survey of 42,000 officers across England and Wales predicted the public will get a poorer service as morale plunges in the wake of the cuts .

Up to 1,000 West Yorkshire officers took part in the survey.

More than 98% of respondents to the federation survey said morale has fallen amid warnings of falling police numbers and possible cuts to take-home wage packets.

More than 85% of officers believe cutting numbers will have a detrimental effect on crime levels, with 78% of respondents saying their workload has already increased, and 91% saying there will be a decline in service delivery.

The survey stands in contrast with the Government’s vow that cuts to policing are achievable without crime rising.