Stansted Airport owes Essex Police more than £500,000 in unpaid costs, a report claims.
Police chiefs say invoices for airport security have still not been paid and pose a "significant financial risk" to the force.
The £559,000 shortfall was highlighted in a report to yesterday's Essex Police Authority finance committee meeting.
A police spokesman warned that the taxpayer might have to foot the extra bill as the force has a statutory duty to protect the airport, but airport bosses claim they have not agreed to any rise.
A BAA Stansted spokesman said: "Provision of policing at UK airports must be formally agreed between the airport's managing director and local police authority.
"Outline proposals for increased policing costs have been suggested and negotiations between Essex Police and Stansted Airport Ltd remain ongoing.
"Until such time that a new agreement is reached, Stansted Airport Ltd will continue to pay the formally agreed costs of policing at the airport, currently set at approximately £5.7 million per annum."
But Essex Chief Constable Roger Baker and the Essex Police Authority feel the price must go up to reflect the growth and increasing use of the airport. The new fee covers the costs for 85 police officers, 27 police staff and nine traffic wardens at the airport.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article