Council taxpayers’ view more important than ever to support local policing

Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane, is urging residents to ensure they have their say on the level of contribution they are willing to make towards the cost of local policing.

The Government has announced that the council tax cap would be lifted again this year and the Police and Crime Commissioner has been given the flexibility to set the policing precept at £24 per Band D household per year. 

Michael Lane said “It is good news that the Minister has recognised the continued need for flexibility in the precept local tax setting powers that Police and Crime Commissioners have. However I am conscious that this shifts more of the burden of paying for the increasing costs of policing to the local council tax payer. It is therefore more important than ever that I hear from council tax payers the level of contribution they would be willing to make through my precept survey.

“To give you my reassurance, I wish to make a commitment that all of the money that comes from a rise in local council tax will go to support local policing and the increase will ensure there will be no reduction in policing in the Hampshire Constabulary area.”

“I continue to believe that a nationally fairer funder formula is the most appropriate way for the long term future of policing funding.  I know that there are pressures on government, but I will continue to fight for this.”

The settlement recognises the challenges faced by today’s policing of increasing demands, greater complexity and changes in criminal activity.

If an increase an increase in local council tax precept of up £2 per month or £24 per year for a Band D property is supported,

This will:

• ensure that locally communities will have the same level of policing support – configured by the Chief Constable and her Team to meet current threats.

This funding will:

• protect recruiting and training for the workforce of the order of 200 police officers, 
• some 60 Police Staff Investigators
• and a course for new PCSOs.

The council tax survey is available at www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/budget.