Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall has agreed the policing budget for the next financial year.
The Police and Crime Commissioner has agreed the policing budget for the next financial year following support from the public, operational advice from the Chief Constable feedback and the support from the Police and Crime Panel. The precept for 2020-21 will increase by 74p a month for a band D property and for the band B (the band which the largest number of properties fall into) an increase of 58p per month.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “It is a very reluctant decision to increase the policing part of the council tax precept and of course I would prefer not to have to raise the precept but I have to be realistic in funding our police force. I am able to note that unlike most other force areas I have not ask for the recommended 84p per month.
“The Chief Constable needs the increase in council tax to maintain and more importantly, further improve our existing policing services by expanding our presence by physically basing more officers in rural communities. This will address the issue raised by residents that they want to see more police officers visible in their communities and further details will be announced shortly.
A public consultation has also taken place with 69% of the 1473 respondents in support of increasing the policing element 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. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their support.
“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 Michelle Skeer said: “I am pleased the financial budget has been set. I am committed to extending our reach into communities, both urban and particularly rural, and this funding will enable us to physically locate Officers within your local communities.
“I’d like to thank the Commissioner, and particularly the public, for there continued support to Cumbria Constabulary as we continue to tackle the issues that threaten the safety of our local communities in order to keep Cumbria safe.”
