Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) proposed precept has been given the go-ahead by the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel, following a consultation with residents about how much they would be willing to pay for policing.
Dan presented his proposed increase of £14 per year for a band D property to the policing precept to the Panel yesterday, Friday. This was following a public consultation which showed that 66% of residents supported a raise of some kind.
The budget approval means that Cheshire Constabulary will be able to maintain the improved level of service it has achieved over the past year as well as enhance neighbourhood policing. This improvement in service has been evidenced in the PEEL inspection report, published yesterday. With around two thirds of Cheshire properties falling into band A-C, the increase for most households will be less than the £14 annually.
During the public consultation, people were asked to choose from three available options. These were:
- No rise – this would require a reduction in services significantly beyond the £6.3m in savings already identified.
- £14 rise per year (for band D properties) – this would allow Cheshire Constabulary to maintain the improved level of service that has been achieved over the past year and enhance neighbourhood policing.
- £28 rise per year (for band D properties) – this would allow for further investment in key areas like technology and protecting vulnerable people as well as an enhancement to neighbourhood policing.
Two thirds of respondents supported a rise through their council tax bill, with an equal amount in favour of a £14 or £28 increase.
Dan Price, Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I know that people are still feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis but it’s clear from the consultation that Cheshire residents want more from their police service. As the voice of the public in policing, ensuring residents had their say on what they are willing to pay was important and has been reflected in my decision to increase the annual amount up to £14.
“The budget that was approved today, will help the Constabulary to deliver my Police and Crime Plan which will help communities feel safer and thrive. I regularly hear that people want a more visible police service and this increase in funding will help enhance neighbourhood policing.”
