Cheshire residents will see a hike of about 5% in the amount they pay towards the county’s police force.
The increase, which was rubber-stamped by the police and crime panel last week, will mean an extra £14 per year on the police precept for a band D council tax payer.
Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) Dan Price said the increase was equivalent to 27p per week for a band D property.
“Two thirds of the homes in our county are actually bands A to C, so for the majority of our residents, it will be less than that,” he said.
The commissioner told the panel that Cheshire Police ranks within the top five forces nationally for charge and outcome rates and that two thirds of people who responded to his consultation had agreed to an extra £14 or more.
“Without additional funding afforded through the precept increase, substantial and additional savings would be required,” Mr Price said, “and the level of service currently provided by the constabulary could not be maintained.”
He added: “When I was elected as the police and crime commissioner, I pledged to ensure that every person in Cheshire felt safe, valued and confident that, when crime is committed, justice will be served.
“I am dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that communities receive a policing service they expect and deserve.”
‘Fewer PCSOs’
Cllr Martha Lloyd-Jones said she was disappointed with the rise in fees. She said: “Every year I come here and the police precept has been increased.”
Panel member Gemma Shepherd-Etchells said there were reduced numbers of PCSOs in areas such as Halton, Macclesfield and Ashley.
“I think for some people, it will be quite difficult to see the police precept going up, whilst their perception of the police on the streets who know their areas – the PCSOs, their visibility and the policing function that they are providing to them every day – is going down,” she said.
Mr Price responded: “I accept that there has been a slow reduction in PCSOs but that has not meant that that role has gone completely.”
He said the county was divided into 122 ward area, and that each should have a PC or a PCSO.
The panel unanimously backed the £14 precept increase, taking the annual payment to £276.94 for a band D property.
In a statement released after the increase was approved, the PCC said: “I know that people are still feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis but it’s clear from the consultation that Cheshire residents want more from their police service.
“As the voice of the public in policing, ensuring residents had their say on what they are willing to pay was important and has been reflected in my decision to increase the annual amount up to £14.
“The budget that was approved will help the constabulary to deliver my police and crime plan which will help communities feel safer and thrive.
“I regularly hear that people want a more visible police service and this increase in funding will help enhance neighbourhood policing.”
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