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Norfolk’s 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.
It is very clear that the financial position remains bleak. It is also clear austerity will be with us until at least 2020 and the Government shows no sign of protecting policing.
While we work with less and less, demand on policing continues to increase and change.
The challenge of tackling cybercrime is a prime example of where we have to respond to a modern threat and that response comes at considerable cost.
There is also unprecedented demand in areas such as rape, serious sexual offences and child sexual exploitation as people feel more confident to come forward. In order to do right by the victims, both in terms of investigation and in providing support, we have to have the resource.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has said Norfolk Police has done an outstanding job in managing its efficiencies to this point, but there is much more to do.
The Chief Constable has already spelled out the savings that will have to be made even if we do increase the Council Tax. We will inevitably see a reduction in the number of police officers and PCSOs.
Before I make any decisions on whether to raise the precept, I want to hear your views.
Please take the time to have your say via my short online survey or by coming along to one of two public consultation events planned for later in the month.
Stephen Bett – Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk
Details of January’s consultation events:
Hear from your PCC and Chief Constable about the funding challenge and their priorities for the coming year:
Monday 19 January 2015, 6.30pm start
The Council Chamber, Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2SF.
Wednesday 21 January 2015, 12 noon start
The Assembly Room, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, Kings Lynn PE30 5DQ
If you have any specific requirements to enable you to take part in one of these meetings, please get in touch with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk by telephone on (01953) 424455 or by email toopccn@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.
To register a question to be answered at one of the public meetings, please emailopccn@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.
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