Plans to raise the portion of council tax which pays for policing and the fire service have been backed by the crime commissioner’s watchdog.
The lion’s share of council tax is paid to the unitary authority – either Cumberland or Westmorland & Furness Council – while smaller amounts go to parish and town councils and Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
David Allen, the county’s commissioner, said he had received unanimous support from the Police, Fire and Crime Panel – established to scrutinise his work and role – to increase the policing and fire element of the council tax precept.
The rise will see an increase of £14.94 a year for a Band D property for policing and an increase of £4.95 a year for a Band D property for the fire service.
The crime commissioner’s office said during a public consultation, 61% and 58% of residents agreed with increasing the policing and fire elements of council tax respectively, although it is not known how many people responded.
Mr Allen, said: “I’d like to thank all residents for taking the time to complete the survey and to the panel for unanimously supporting the proposals.
“For policing, the will help protect and maintain neighbourhood policing and ensure the improvements we have made are not lost. Without it, cuts would have been unavoidable and would have affected the services that the police provide.
“For Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, increasing the council tax means it is able to continue to respond quickly and supports a balanced budget after years of underinvestment.
“The budget for fire will be a challenging one. However, we need to ensure that the services is legal and safe and this investment will help.
Westmorland & Furness Council is planning to increase its precept by 4.99% and Cumberland Council is also considering a 4.99% rise.
New council tax bills will be issued in April.
