AN increase of 29p per week in the police council tax precept is being proposed by Warwickshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe.
The extra cash, £1.25p a month on a Band D property – equivalent to a would pay for further increases in officer numbers, strengthened resources to protect the vulnerable and reduce crime, while also protecting previous investments, says the PCC.
His 2021/22 spending plan covers the budget for Warwickshire Police alongside services supporting victims and community safety initiatives. Key commitments it is set to deliver are:
– A further 41 police officers.
– More Special Constables to support police teams.
– Extra resources for teams working with vulnerable victims and tackling child exploitation and trafficking
– The opening of a new force control room, with state-of-the-art facilities.
– Improved forensic services to support police investigations.
– More warranted officers to strengthen the force’s capability.
– Extra financial support to increase the number of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors, to support victims of sexual offences and domestic abuse.
The draft budget also protects the previous investments made by the Commissioner and Warwickshire Police in patrol policing, specialist teams for rural crime and vehicle crime, as well as Safer Neighbourhoods Teams across the county.
Commenting on the budget proposals, Mr Seccombe said: “I’m really grateful for the feedback the public has given to me over the past eight weeks through the ‘Your Police, Your Views’ consultation, which has underlined that people continue to value policing but want an enhanced police service which continues to focus on reducing crime and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.
“It is equally clear that police visibility remains a concern, with most people wanting to greater accessibility to officers in our communities.”
