Public support council tax rise to fund more police officers

In the last three weeks over 3,000 people have responded to a consultation run by Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite, asking if they would be prepared to pay more in council tax for policing.

A total of 3,268 people responded to the consultation. The result was that 78.3% said they were prepared to pay an extra £12 a year for policing. 8.3% were prepared to pay a smaller increase of £4 a year while 13.4% said they would not want to pay any more. 1,349 people also provided comments.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite said

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my consultation. It is important that I gauge the opinion of the people when making decisions such as this and the responses have given me a clear indication of the broad support people have for the police.

“A clear theme was that people were prepared to pay more if the money was spent on more officers that could make a difference. I can give my assurance that the additional money raised through this year’s council tax will be used to recruit 55 new warranted officers.

This will not solve all our problems. There is still increasing demand on the front line and significant financial savings to be made. However, these additional resources will enable the Chief Constable to increase front line policing thereby reducing pressure on officers, increasing the ability to bring offenders to justice and help keep people safe.”

The results of the consultation were today (Wednesday 31 January) presented to the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Panel who also supported the proposal.

The new council tax rate will come into effect from 01 April.

ENDS