Police and Crime Commissioner proposes 1% precept increase
Wednesday, 06 January, 2016
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, Sir Graham Bright, today announced his intention to recommend a 1% increase to the policing element of the council tax for 2016/17.
This approach follows the government’s provisional settlement announcement last month that Police and Crime Commissioner resources will be protected taking into account both grant funding and potential council tax rises. It is assumed that Commissioners will maximise their precept rise which, for Cambridgeshire, would be 2%.
The Commissioner has always stated he would ensure value for money policing with no extra burden on the taxpayer. He and his team have analysed future budget requirements alongside the savings planned from programmes already underway. They have set this against various economic indicators that represent how the cost of living has changed over a four year period, alongside increases in average earnings.
The proposed increase of 1% in the policing element of the 2016/17 council tax equates to an extra 3.5 pence per week on a band D property.
Sir Graham said: “We recognise the hardships that many of our citizens are facing and do not want to add to their burdens. My team has worked closely with the Constabulary to ensure an effective and efficient force, continuing to drive down costs and developing plans to meet future saving requirements. The adoption of new technology and working in collaboration with other forces will continue to deliver further efficiencies in the coming years.
“We will therefore be able to balance the books with a 1% increase in policing precept. I am delighted that over the period of my office I have delivered on my promise not to increase the financial burden on the taxpayer. I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to make this possible.”
“I am interested in the views of the people of Cambridgeshire on these proposals so if you have any comments then please e-mail me at cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk or write to me at Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, PO Box 688, Huntingdon, PE29 9LA”
It is the Commissioners intention to put the recommendation to the Police and Crime Panel for consideration at their next meeting on 3 February.
