Police and Crime Commissioner’s Budget Proposals

Today, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes presented to the Police and Crime Panel the proposed policing budget for 2015/16 and the financial forecasts going forward to 2018/19. The budget for 2015/16 included a proposal to increase the policing part of the council tax precept by 1.90%. 

Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said “I welcome the support that the Police and Crime Panel have shown today in increasing the policing part of the council tax by 1.90%.

“I made my decision to propose an increase in council tax precept following public consultation with two-thirds indicating that they would support an increase of 1.90% or more.  In addition, the Chief Constable supports my proposals as this will go some way towards the reduction in overall funding.

“We are fortunate that in Cumbria crime is reasonably low and that our Constabulary performs well in keeping us all safe. The message from people that I met during the consultation was that they are willing to pay a few pence a week more to keep Cumbria safe.

“It is without question a difficult financial period. The Panel heard first-hand from the Constabulary about the challenges and even with the proposed increase of 1.90% early indications are that there will still have to be at least £10.8million of budget savings over the next four years.

“There is an ongoing programme of work to review the way that policing is delivered in the county and optimising the benefits of new technology. The efficiencies provided by new technology will allow the number of police officers in the county to drop by 32 officers over the next financial year. The number of police staff (the back office) will reduce by 79 primarily as a result of a digitalisation of back office processes. I am pleased to confirm that the number of PCSO's will likely to remain the same at 95 for the next 12 months.

“A significant capital investment programme has taken place to underpin the financial situation in the form of CCTV, the new Barrow Police Station, ICT, new vehicles, increased support to victims and domestic violence and the SARS (Sexual Assault Referral Services) all of which should save officer time.

“The next few years will be critical for the funding of policing in the county. I want Cumbria to be in the strongest position it can be for the challenges both financial and policing that it will have to face.

“I would like to thank everyone for taking part in the public consultation and sharing their views.  It is only by us all working together that we will keep Cumbria safe.”

Chief Constable, Jerry Graham said “I welcome the increase of the policing element of the council tax precept, as this is an important element in supporting policing and public safety in Cumbria. As I have previously stated the Constabulary faces major financial challenges and current budget forecasts show that a further £10.8 million needs to be saved by 2018/19.

“Change is challenging, and is required of us due to severe budget cuts; however we are committed to providing a viable independent police force. We will continue to develop and utilise innovative digital and mobile working, while protecting frontline policing as much as possible.

“I remain committed to providing the best possible policing service we can afford for the people of Cumbria.”