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Budget secures largest investment in people and priorities for a decade

PCC Sue Mountstevens
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An increase in the policing part of the council tax means the area’s PCC Sue Mountstevens can recruit 100 new officers and invest in proactive operations to focus specifically on burglary, drugs and violent crime.

Avon and Somerset’s Police and Crime Panel approved Sue Mountstevens plans to raise £15 million to manage cost pressures and generate some additional funds for investment by raising the policing part of the council tax by £2 a month for a band D property.

It follows a surprise announcement by the government in December allowing police and crime commissioners to increase the policing part of the council tax from £12 to £24 a year for the average (band D) household.

“I fully understand that this is a big increase for households. It was not an easy decision. However I have to balance the challenges facing policing; the increased threat from criminality and the safety of residents.

“In order to improve visibility and results, we need to have the resources. With the government set on raising money for policing from local people I have the unenviable job of deciding how we meet these challenges. I am grateful to have the support of the Police and Crime Panel in this decision.

PCC Sue Mountstevens

Sue added: I’m committed with the Chief Constable to intensify our fight against serious violence on our streets, in our towns and cities with high profile disruption activity for burglary, drugs and serious violence. Sending a loud and clear message to criminals that coming into our area to commit their crimes and exploit our children is not an option.

“This money will not fix everything but it’s the first investment we’ve seen since austerity began in 2010 and it’s a big step in the right direction.

From April the total increase in policing funding after the council tax precept rise and new Home Office funding will boost the PCC’s net expenditure budget by £21 million of which some £17 million is required to meet rising costs.

The remaining £4 million of new funds will be invested in the policing service for local residents and tackling local priorities including burglary, drug crime, violent crime and the recruitment of 100 additional officers.

The force receives one of the lowest funding settlements in the country compared to its relative need and has long campaigned for fairer funding through the police funding formula.

Adding together core central government funding, precept and specific grants, Avon and Somerset receives 26% less than it received in 2010/11 in real (inflation adjusted) terms, which has required the delivery of £78 million of savings since 2010.