Durham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Ron Hogg, is seeking views from members of the community as part of his annual public consultation on next year’s budget.
Mr Hogg said: “So that I can deliver a policing service that meets the needs of local communities, I want to know what you think the increase, if any, in the police precept (police element of council tax) should be for 2014/15.”
All forces are faced with ongoing financial challenges and reduced spending power, due to the deep budget cuts imposed by the Government. This is likely to get worse in the future.
Mr Hogg proposes, at this stage, to increase the amount that people pay for policing in County Durham and Darlington by 2% for 2014/15, in order to balance the need for providing an
effective policing service, while minimising as far as possible the cost to taxpayers. This will partly offset the 4.8% reduction in government grant funding for 2014/15.
“Council Tax increases are likely to be capped at 2% for 2014/15, which for Durham and Darlington represents an additional £0.5m. This means you would pay an extra £3.13 each year (up from £156.47 to £159.50, or 6 pence per week if you live in a Band D property.
If you live in a Band A property this would be an extra 4 pence per week. Nearly three out of five households live in a Band A property. The precept in County Durham and Darlington is still below the national average.
“I strongly encourage everyone to have their say on this proposal and complete my short survey; it is open to all Council Taxpayers and you are asked to confirm which one of the following options you agree to support to meet the cost of your policing service:
The precept should be increased by more than 2%.
A 2% increase is about right.
The precept should increase, but by less than 2%.
The precept should be kept the same or be reduced.
“Last year, residents supported an increase for the 2013/14 Council Tax precept, which contributed towards keeping pace with inflation and offset, to a degree, the reduction in Government grant, which is reducing by about 4.8% in 2014/15, which means £4.2m less to spend than in the current year.”
The consultation is open until Wednesday 22nd January and residents are encouraged to vote on the PCC’s website at: www.durham-pcc.gov.uk or by telephone on: 03000 264631.