Cheshire residents asked for thoughts on police budget

Ensuring the public’s voice is heard when it comes to policing is part of Dan Price’s role as Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Dan is asking residents across the county to share their views on how much they contribute to the police budget through their local council tax. This is something the PCC sets each year and is also known as the police precept.

The views will then be taken into account, together with other considerations, when he is setting the budget.

Residents can have their say by completing the survey here: 

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Precept2526/.

Dan’s heard from Cheshire residents through his numerous conversations and meetings; police and crime plan on a page consultation and his citizens’ assembly held in the Crewe and Nantwich area, that people want more from the police service. This includes a more visible police presence; early intervention to prevent crime; more support services for victims and better use of technology to drive efficiencies and keep one step ahead of criminals.

Last year, the Cheshire public supported a small rise in the policing precept. This enabled Cheshire Constabulary to either maintain or improve its performance in key areas.

Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“I have to set a budget for the next year that gives the police the resources they need to meet your expectations to keep you safe.

“I’m asking for your feedback on how much you think you should pay for your police service. I know the financial burdens of households who are still balancing their books due to the cost-of-living crisis and that no one wants to spend more. But I also need to ensure there is funding available for support and intervention services helping those who need it.

“Cheshire Constabulary is a high performing force, and I want to ensure they can continue to provide communities with the service they deserve and expect.”

Government funding will increase; however, inflation alone has added nearly £14million to the Constabulary’s costs, creating a funding gap. This has already been partially closed by almost £6.3 million through a rigorous review and use of reserves but there is still a budget shortfall.

To find extra funding for policing, PCC’s can increase the police precept by £14 per year - £1.17 per month – for a band D council tax property, without the need to hold a referendum.

Nearly two-thirds of Cheshire properties fall into bands A-C meaning most households would pay less.

As Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dan Price is able to raise the police precept by £14 per year/£1.17 per month for band D households. This will be less for bands A-C and more for E-H.

He can also raise the funding more if it’s what the public ask for, provided this is then backed by a referendum.

The consultation is asking the public for feedback on the below three proposed options:

About the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Public accountability for the delivery and performance of the police service is placed into the hands of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on behalf of the electorate.

The Commissioner has wider responsibilities than those relating solely to the police force, including:

• The ability to provide or commission services intended to help victims and witnesses of crime and anti-social behaviour.
• The ability to provide or commission services that will secure, or contribute to securing, crime and disorder reduction.
• The ability to bring together Community Safety Partnerships at the force level.
• A duty to ensure that all collaboration agreements with other Commissioners and forces deliver value for money or enhance the effectiveness of policing capabilities and resilience.
• A wider responsibility for the enhancement of the delivery of criminal justice in their area.

Find out more.

Pictured - Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner with a police officer and PCSO.