Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is proposing significant new investment in local policing, alongside a freeze in the policing element of council tax for West Mercia in 2017/18.
The Commissioner’s budget plan has gone out for consultation with communities and partners until the 23rd of January. If approved by the Police and Crime Panel, it would represent an increase of £4.5m compared to this year’s local policing budget.
John Campion said: “I am proposing a budget which will ensure continued investment in our police force, enabling greater efficiencies for the future whilst addressing the issues that matter most to our communities and ensuring better value for public money.
“I promised that I would make sure policing budgets were spent as wisely and efficiently as possible, before I ever asked our communities for any more. With that in mind, I am proposing a freeze in the policing element of council tax for the coming financial year because I believe there are greater efficiencies that must be achieved. However, by utilising the healthy reserves we have, 2017/18 would see a considerable increase in spending.
“I also promised I would reform and modernise our police service. My budget proposals include major positive investments designed to improve police visibility in our communities, ensure better customer service and protect our most vulnerable people. It will also provide new fit-for-purpose technology that will bring it up to date and in-line with other forces in the UK, giving our officers the tools they need to do their difficult jobs better.”
The Commissioner is consulting on his proposals and would welcome views from as many people as possible . Please follow this link to take part in the short survey.
Issued: Monday 9th January 2017
