Cabinet trip cost police £138,000

The meeting was the second to be held outside London since 1921

The cost of policing the government's cabinet meeting in Leeds last November was almost £138,000, West Yorkshire Police has confirmed.

The force had to lay on extra security for the event at the Royal Armouries museum - only the second cabinet meeting held outside London since 1921.

West Yorkshire Police said it would try to recoup the £137,719 bill from central government funds.

Downing Street described the spending as "a worthwhile investment".

The figure was revealed after a request under the Freedom of Information Act by the Yorkshire Post newspaper.

The government has worked hard at each event to keep event costs to a minimum Downing Street statement

A Number 10 spokesman said: "It is for West Yorkshire Police to comment on the costs of policing the Leeds cabinet in November.

"The purpose of these meetings is for the cabinet to hear the views of people in different areas of the country.

"We believe this is a worthwhile investment to support local engagement in our national political debate.

"Policing costs are separate to the event costs.

"The government has worked hard at each event to keep event costs to a minimum."

As well as attending the meeting in Leeds, Chancellor Alistair Darling and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Yvette Cooper attended business events in the region while Gordon Brown took part in a round table discussion with members of the public about the economy.

Mr Brown also visited the headquarters of Halifax bank, where staff expressed concerns about possible job losses after its proposed merger with Lloyds TSB.

Meanwhile, Schools Secretary Ed Balls unveiled funding for after-school facilities for sport and music in the region.

The West Yorkshire Police costs do not include the separate expense incurred by the Metropolitan Police, which sent Special Branch officers to West Yorkshire.