[P]olice and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall has welcomed the support from the public and the Police and Crime Panel on the proposal to increase the policing part of the council tax as part of the budget setting process.
It is proposed that the policing council tax precept would be increased by 5.42% for the next financial year 2018/19. This is an increase of £11.97per year for a band D property and takes the total policing element of the council tax at Band D to £232.74 per year and a Band B increases by £9.31 to £181.02 per year.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said: “It is a very difficult decision to propose an increase in the Police Precept. I have listened to the public who want to see more of the police not less. Therefore, I would like to thank the public of Cumbria for their clear message of support to increase the policing part of the council tax. This positive position has been further endorsed unanimously by the Police and Crime Panel at their meeting today.
“An increase in council tax is never welcome but I firmly believe that your safety is paramount.
“The increased council tax will contribute to funding:
- 25 additional police officers visible and present in your local community tackling the issues that are important to you including anti-social behavior and road safety.
- 95 PCSOs* guaranteeing the delivery of a strong pro-active visible presence in your community.
- An increase in the number of armed officers available to protect and respond to any potential terror threat or dangerous individuals in Cumbria.
- Improved protection of our children from abuse especially online grooming and exploitation and greater protection for us all from new digital crime trends such as online crime and fraud.
- Easier and better ways to contact the police.
“This will be a real boost to front line policing addressing your local concerns such as anti-social behaviour and at the same time meeting the emerging pressures rising demand such as online-crime.
“Now that I have gathered your views, the Chief Constable’s recommendation and support from the Police Crime Panel I will be able to finalise the budget which will be done formally at my Public Accountability Conference on Wednesday 14 February.”
Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “I’d like to thank everyone who supported us during this recent consultation. I believe this additional money will have a significant impact on the quality of local policing services we can offer in your communities.
“This investment will secure a future for independent local policing in Cumbria in keeping you and your family safe.”
*Maintains the number of PCSOs at 95.
