Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner proposes increase in precept to fund Constabulary in 2023/24 – have your say in public survey

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore launched his annual survey last week to gauge public views on his draft proposal for the policing element for the council tax precept for the next financial year.

Late last year the Policing Minister gave PCCs the ability to raise the policing element of the precept by up to £15 per annum for a Band D property for 2023/24 and Suffolk’s PCC is proposing to use this maximum increase and is asking Suffolk taxpayers their thoughts.

The survey is now live on the PCC’s website www.suffolk-pcc.gov.uk and closes at 9am on Thursday 26th January 2023.

Tim Passmore said, “As your Police and Crime Commissioner, setting the budget is one of my most important responsibilities. I must ensure that the Constabulary has the resources needed to provide an efficient and effective service, whilst ensuring that I use Suffolk taxpayers’ money for the maximum benefit.

“Sadly, as has been the case for several years now, our funding from Government is just not enough and I need to increase the precept to maintain the level of police service in the county. Suffolk is one of the lowest-funded forces in the country and faces significant challenges. The full £15 increase (for a band D property) will increase the policing budget by £3.9m and give the Constabulary the resources it needs to keep pace with demand.

“The Chief Constable has advised me that the additional funding, generated by the proposed increase, is essential to maintain an efficient and effective service, and provide the resources needed to manage demand as effectively as possible.

“Without the proposed increase, there is a significant risk of a reduction in service. Without the additional Council Tax funding the Constabulary will simply not keep up with the increased demands placed upon it. I feel I have little choice but to propose the full increase. All other options have been exhausted.

“I have worked closely with the Chief Constable to agree how the potential funding will be allocated. It is an extremely difficult balance but one that I believe meets the needs of the council taxpayer. I hope people will take the opportunity to consider my proposal and let me know their thoughts via the survey. As PCC I represent the people of Suffolk so it is important I hear their views.”

Chief Constable, Rachel Kearton said, “At a time when demands on policing are growing exponentially it is essential that the Constabulary is properly resourced and equipped to deliver a high-quality service and ensure Suffolk continues to be a safe place in which to live, work, travel and invest.

“Whilst I was really pleased to receive one of the best HMICFRS reports in the country I accept their recommendation that improvements are required regarding our services to victims including the way the public can contact the force. This proposal will go a long way in enabling us to address this by providing extra resources and using best use of technology.”

The PCC will present his final proposal to the Police and Crime Panel on Friday 27th January 2023 for approval. The papers for this meeting will be published five clear working days before on Suffolk County Council’s website, www.suffolk.gov.uk.

Anyone not able to take part in the electronic survey can write to the PCC at The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Suffolk Police HQ, Portal Avenue, Martlesham Heath IP5 3QS. Please answer the question: Do you agree with my proposal to increase the policing element of the council tax for 2023/24 by 29p a week (based on a Band D property)? with a clear YES or NO and include any comment you wish to make. The written response needs to be in the office by 5pm on Wednesday 25th January 2023.

To find out what this means to households across all of the council tax bands please click here.

For a direct link to the survey go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PCCpreceptsurvey