[C]umbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall has agreed the policing budget for the next financial year.
The budget has been set following public consultation, Chief Constable feedback and the unanimous support from the Police and Crime Panel. The precept for 2018-19 will increase by 5.42%, which amounts to an increase of £11.97 per annum for a band D property and takes the total police element of the precept at band D to £232.74.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “Any increase in council tax is never welcome but I firmly believe that your safety is paramount. 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.
“I said when I launched the public consultation that I believe that if you are to pay more, it is only fair to ensure that the police deliver an improved service in return. 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.
- Maintain 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.
“I remain determined to ensure that Cumbria continues to be a safe place to live, work and visit and this budget allows us to resource and support our police.”
Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “I am pleased that the police budget has now been set for the next financial year, and I welcome the increase to the policing element of the council tax. This provides some stability for policing in the county and helps us protect and enhance frontline policing in order to keep people safe.
“We will continue to seek ways in which we can increase our efficiency in order to protect the people of Cumbria and provide them with the best possible policing service.”
