Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes has set the policing budget for 2013/14 and the provisional estimates to 2016/17.
Mr Rhodes said “The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office has the responsibility to set the Constabulary policing budget and funding for the next 12 months. This follows public consultation as well as challenge and scrutiny from the Police and Crime Panel. The final decision has been concluded today.
“The policing budget will have reduced overall by a fifth by 2016/17 and that is not without its challenges as it is important to maintain performance and keep Cumbria safe. So far £12.1million of savings have been achieved and financial forecasts indicate that £10.2million of savings will have to be delivered between 2013/14 and 2016/17.
“It is clear from the people of Cumbria and the Police and Crime Panel that frontline officers tackling anti-social behaviour, domestic violence and road safety are key areas. The approved budget allows police officer and PCSO numbers to remain at 1134 and 95 respectively for two years but current predictions indicate that there may be a loss of 64 officer posts by 2017.
“As a result the police part of the council tax precept will increase by 1.95% which is £3.87 a year for a Band D property which is slightly more than 1p a day.
“Going forward we will fully engage with the Home Office on any debate that takes place on the grant funding formula as any change to the funding formula would have a significant impact on future funding.”
T/Chief Constable Lawson said “It is important to secure funding that allows the Constabulary to best deliver its policing services in these difficult times. For two years we can maintain our current police officer and PCSO numbers to deliver our policing services into the heart of our communities.”
The opportunity given to residents of Barrow to speak with 'our' Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes when he came to Barrow's Forum 28, Duke Street was an excellent idea. The re-assurance that the Community Support Officers PCSOs - who serve our area so well - will be still there when we need them was most welcome and especially so for the older and vulnerable members of the public who the PCSO's have time to intereact with. Our young family members will welcome the idea too I am sure.
ReplyDelete