Policing services across Dyfed-Powys: How much should you pay?
Householders across Dyfed-Powys are being urged to have their say on how much they pay for their police.
Local policing services are funded largely by three sources - the Home Office, business rates, and householders through their Council Tax.
Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon sets the Council Tax police precept and, for 2014-15, proposes a rise of 3.1% - in line with inflation.
This would see an average Band D property pay a £212.67 policing precept – that’s a 12p weekly rise to around £4.09 per week. It would produce funding of around £44.7m in a total police budget of around £97.6m.
A public survey has been launched by Mr Salmon. He said: “I’m seeking views on whether the public feel a 3.1% rise appropriate.
“This money belongs to taxpayers and I urge householders to take part in our survey.
“We all continue to live in difficult economic times and that means challenges for the public sector and for individuals.
“Government funding for police forces has fallen by 20 per cent over the past few years and one of my priorities is to ensure that we spend wisely in Dyfed-Powys.”
The short survey, which forms a statutory consultation that Mr Salmon must undertake in setting an annual precept, can be completed quickly and anonymously online, by email and by mail. It’s available in English and Welsh.
It opens today (note: October 30) and ends at midnight on December 8. The results will be collated by mid-December and the precept will be issued in mid-February after budget consideration by the Police and Crime Panel, the independent body which scrutinises Mr Salmon’s work.
The survey’s key statement and question is: “For 2014-15 the Police and Crime Commissioner proposes a precept rise of 3.1%. In your view, is this a reasonable increase?”
The survey will be publicised extensively on the website of the Commissioner’s Office, via the Office’s social media channels and in emails to partners.
To take part in the survey either:
· Write to Office for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF or
· Phone 01267 226440
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