Commissioner Continues Council Tax Consultation – Online Survey Reminder

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes is reminding people that they still have time to take part in the online survey and share their views about the future funding of the police service in the county.

“Your Police, Your Say” campaign started on 1 September, and runs until the end of October. The aim is to provide an opportunity for members of the public to engage with Mr Rhodes about the future levels of council tax precept.  Approximately, 14% of the local council tax bill goes to pay for the police service. It is one of the roles of the Police and Crime Commissioner to decide whether the amount of council tax is increased or ‘frozen’ every year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said “As part of the consultation, our online survey will remain open until the end of the month, and I urge people to take just a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and let me know their thoughts. The results of the consultation will enable me to make an informed decision about the future levels of the policing part of the council tax precept over the next two years, so it is very important that as many people take part as can.

“Part of the rationale for Police and Crime Commissioners was that they would represent the public and enable people to have a voice in policing.  This why I am going directly to the people of Cumbria to get their views about the future funding of policing through their council tax payments.”

Last year, the policing part of the council tax precept was increased by 1.93% which was an increase of £3.96 per year, taking the police part for a band D property to £208.62. Although there was an increase in council tax precept savings were still necessary as the overall police budget was reduced.   

The overall police budget is £128million for 2014/15 and most of the funding comes from central government supported by council tax precept, the police’s own financial reserves and money not spent in the previous year’s budget.

The survey can be found on the Commissioner’s website, http://www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/governance-transparency/budget-finance.aspx

Paper copies are available from the office, please contact 01768 217734 or email commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk if you require a copy.