A CONSULTATION has been launched to give the public a say on proposals to boost funding for policing in Warwickshire through an increase in the police’s share of council tax in 2018/19.
The measure comes as the Force, which covers Alcester and Studley, faces renewed pressure on its resources, with the possibility of up to 70 jobs going if nothing is down to correct the situation.
The proposals, by Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, aim to ensure a good service for local communities now and in the future, ensure frontline policing is protected while giving financial stability to Warwickshire Police.
He is asking residents to choose from options of increasing the police precept – that’s the portion of council tax used to fund policing – by amounts of £12, £10 or £8 per year on an average Band D property in the county.
The three options are:
1) – Increase the police precept by £12 per year (on a Band D property). This is a rise of 6.25 per cent and would mean a Band D taxpayer would pay an extra £1 per month. This would mean the force could retain around 33 police officer posts that might otherwise have been lost.
2) – Increase the police precept by £10 per year year (on a Band D property). This is a rise of 5.21 per cent and would mean a Band D taxpayer would pay around an extra 83p per month. This would mean the force could retain around 25 police officer posts that might otherwise have been lost.
3) – Increase the police precept by £8 per year (on a Band D property). This is a rise of 4.17 per cent and would mean a Band D taxpayer would pay around an extra 67p per month. This would mean the force could retain around 18 police officer posts that might otherwise have been lost.
If the maximum £12 increase was applied it would bring in an additional £1.7 million.
Together with the funding settlement from central government, which wasn’t reduced as expected, this option would mean the total budget for Warwickshire Police could increase by £2.9 million.
Whichever option is chosen, the Commissioner has pledged to invest the extra money on frontline policing, to maximise the number of police officers the force can retain, while still ensuring the Force delivers on its efficiency savings.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “The simple reality is that the police require more funding just to maintain current service levels.
“I am therefore proposing to increase the police precept for 2018/19, to protect frontline policing and ensure I can deliver a safer and more secure Warwickshire.
“I’m really keen to hear the public’s views on all of these options before I make my final decision on the precept level in the New Year. I want to hear from as wide a spectrum as possible across the county, so please do take some time to look at the proposals and give me your feedback.”
The survey can be completed at www.warwickshire-pcc.gov.uk/preceptsurvey and the consultation will close on Friday January 19, 2018.
