The recent decision by the council to increase the police funding through a tax hike has sparked discussions on public safety and fiscal responsibility. This adjustment aims to enhance police services while maintaining officer numbers and introducing new technologies.
Council Approves Tax Increase for Police Funding
The council has approved a significant increase in the policing precept for council tax, primarily affecting Band D properties. Starting next year, this precept will rise by nearly £15, bringing the annual amount to £314.37.
Motivation Behind the Increase
The push for a higher precept comes from the necessity to balance the budget and ensure adequate police staffing. Conservative councillor, Preston, emphasized the need for the maximum allowable precept to avoid losing police officers. He believes that many residents will support this increase, given that they continue to receive reliable police services.
Funding Sources
Police funding is derived from two significant sources:
- Just over half of the budget is allocated from central government.
- The remainder is collected via the policing part of the council tax, known as the precept.
Future Considerations
Councillor Megicks stated that the focus on increasing police funding is about ensuring financial stability. The council is approaching police funding amid shifting societal challenges that require a proactive response.
The council’s decision reflects a commitment to public safety and resource management while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
