Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Stephen Bett, will soon have to decide whether to increase or freeze the policing element of Council Tax – and he wants to know what you think.
The Commissioner is launching a public consultation throughout January on whether the police precept should rise by 2pc (an average of £4 per year) or be frozen.
Stephen said: “The announcement from the Government around police funding was welcome but that does not mean Norfolk Constabulary is out of the woods; far from it.
“The Government has said that police funding will be protected – but that’s on the assumption that PCC’s increase the policing element of the Council Tax by 2% each year.
“There are, of course, still major financial pressures on the force as they carry the burden of past funding cuts, and the demands on our police continue to increase and crucially, to change.
“There is an unprecedented surge in demand in areas such as rape, serious sexual offences and child sexual exploitation as people feel more confident to come forward. Cybercrime is another area of serious growth for the constabulary – and an expensive one.
“Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) says Norfolk Constabulary is doing an outstanding job in managing its efficiencies, but there is much more to do.
“Before I make any decisions on whether to raise the precept I want to hear people’s views. I will be consulting throughout January and would urge people to have their say.”
Each year, the PCC is responsible for setting the policing element of the Council Tax and is responsible for consulting with the public for their views.
Take the survey now. The consultation begins on 4 January and runs until 29 January.
You will be able to have your say via theonline survey on the Norfolk PCC website, by requesting a hard copy of the survey (telephone 01953 424455 or email [email protected]) or by taking part in one of a number ofopportunities to have your say in person, including:
Wednesday 13 January – Public Budget Consultation Meeting: 6.30pm,The Council Chamber,Norfolk County Council,County Hall,Martineau Lane,Norwich,NR1 2SF
Monday 18 January – Public Budget Consultation Meeting: 12 noon,The Assembly Room,Town Hall,Saturday Market Place,Kings Lynn,PE30 5DQ