The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, Ron Hogg, has launched his first public consultation with residents of County Durham and Darlington, just weeks after beginning his new role.
Talking about the consultation, 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 police and crime community priorities should within County Durham and Darlington, and what you think the increase (if any) in the police precept (police element of council tax) should be for 2013-14”.
Giving the public the opportunity to have their say, Ron said: “This is a short survey which I strongly encourage people to complete; it is open to everyone in the Durham Police area and the results of this will help set the strategic priorities for what you want Durham Constabulary to focus on for 2013/14”.
Residents are asked to describe the three most important issues you believe the police should be tackling to improve your local area. You are then asked to confirm which of the following 3 options you agree to support from the
following police precept (council tax) options:
0 % increase?
2 % increase?
3 % increase?
Ron continued: “A zero per cent increase in Council Tax will attract a 1% Central Government grant worth £250,000 per year for the next two years only, whereas a 2% increase would add £500,000 to the budget ever year from 2013/14 onwards.
Views are also sought as to whether the public would consider paying a 3 per cent increase, which would mean £750,000 per year from central government from 2013/14″.
The consultation was launched on the same day as the first two public events, held on Thursday 13th December, in Darlington and Durham town centres.
The consultation is open until Friday 4th January and residents are encouraged to vote online at: www.durham-pcc.gov.uk, by email to: enquiries@durham-pcc.gov.uk or by telephone on: 0191 3835511.
