The policing budget for the next 12 months has been agreed with residents set for a council tax rise.
Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner, Peter McCall 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 2021-22 will increase by 55p a month for a band D property.
Mr McCall said: “Increasing council tax is always a difficult decision and of course I would prefer not to have to raise the precept but I have to be realistic in funding our police force.
“This year, police and crime commissioners were given the opportunity to raise the policing element of council tax by £15 for Band D properties, whilst a majority of PCCs are charging the full £15 but in this current financial climate, when so many people are feeling the economic effect of COVID-19, I do not think it is appropriate to request this amount.
“I have requested and consulted that Band D properties pay an extra £6.57 this year and I am pleased to say that this public consultation was supported by 69 per cent in favour of the rise. This will be one of the lowest increases in the country.
“The chief constable needs the increase in council tax to maintain and more importantly, further improve our existing policing services. We have a strong performing police force and together with the chief constable we are determined to maintain and continue to deliver even stronger performance.
“I appreciate that no increase in any kind of tax is welcome but would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their support.
“I remain determined to ensure that Cumbria continues to be one of the safest counties to live, work and visit and this budget allows us to resource and support our police.”
This is how much you will pay from April to April 2022:
Band A: £181.44 up from £177.06
Band B: £211.68 up from £206.57
Band C: £241.92 up from £236.08
Band D £272.16 up from £265.59
Band E: £332.64 up from £324.61
Band F: £393.12 up from £383.63
Band G: £453.60 up from £442.65
Band H: £544.32 up from £531.18
Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “This funding will enable us to cover our increasing costs and continue to have more dedicated officers deployed in rural communities, whilst maintaining our presence in larger, urban centres.
“We can also invest in our public contact services so people can contact an officer at a time, and in a way, that is convenient for them.
“As always, protecting and safeguarding the increasing numbers of people who need our help, including mental health related incidents, is a priority and we are now able to continue to invest and develop services in this vital area.
“I would like to thank the commissioner and particularly the public for their ongoing support as we continue to maintain, and improve, our policing services and keep Cumbria safe.”
