PCC Sue Mountstevens wants local views on how much residents are prepared to pay towards policing across the area, to consider when making her decision regarding next year’s budget.
Over the next month, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens will be listening to local people, before taking her proposed budget decision to the Police and Crime Panel for their approval on 1st February 2018.
The proposal of an increase of up to 6.6% in the policing part of the council tax is equivalent to an extra £1 a month for the average band D property.
This means from April 2018 the average band D household will pay £193.81 for policing.
PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “It is really important that residents tell me how much they would be prepared to contribute to support policing in the area.
“I am always conscious that many residents are struggling with household bills and I never take a decision to raise the policing part of the council tax lightly.
“Since 2016 I have ring-fenced neighbourhood policing and with your investment I would continue to protect neighbourhood policing numbers until 2020.
“However, let’s be clear, we know if we do not increase the council tax we will see a reduction in police officers and staff and this impact will undoubtedly be felt in communities.
“Although our Government core funding remains the same next year, our costs such as pay rises and inflation continue to increase.
“This is against a backdrop of increasing pressure on policing with more complex crimes such as child sexual exploitation, terrorist threats and more calls for help.
“The Constabulary are responding to the challenges and are working hard to maximise the opportunities of digitalisation and advanced analytics, work which has been recognised nationally.
“With more difficult decisions ahead, we need to find a solution which makes sure the Constabulary are sufficiently resourced, whilst being mindful of increasing the household bills of already stretched residents.”
PCC Sue Mountstevens is inviting residents to send her their views on the proposal and wants to know if you would pay an extra £1 a month for policing. On Wednesday 10th January 2018, you can speak to the PCC in person at one of her public drop-in sessions across the area:
- 10-11.30am – Broadmead Shopping Centre, Bristol
- 1-2.30pm – Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater
- 3.15-4.30pm – Sovereign Shopping Centre, Weston-super-Mare
You can also share your views by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01275 816377.
