An increase in a police precept added to council tax bills in County Durham and Darlington residents has been agreed.
Signed off by the regional police commissioner, the move sees the police precept for households rise by the maximum amount allowed, 5%.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Joy Allen, who was re-elected last May, instigated the proposal affecting how much of the council tax is dedicated to the police’s coffers. This will bring an additional £9.33 annually for a Band A property and up to £28 for those in a Band H property.
PCC Allen underscored that thanks to this boost, the current personnel strength of 1,379 officers would remain unchanged until at least April 2026. The funds would also ensure that Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) can keep patrolling the streets, clamping down on drink and drug misdemeanours and antisocial activities like off-road biking.
Chief Constable Rachel Bacon acknowledged the force’s enhanced performance but cautioned that it remains a “really challenging period for policing”, with operations continuing within stringent budgetary constraints.
Chief Constable Bacon has raised the alarm over potential cuts to police numbers, emphasizing her commitment to community safety during a meeting with councillors at Durham County Hall on Monday. She said: “I am doing everything I can to maintain policing numbers to keep our communities safe.”
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Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Allen has been vocal in her call for a revision of the current funding formula and argued for more resources for areas dealing with high demand and deeper deprivation. At the moment, a one per cent rise in precept generates £490,000 for County Durham, which contrasts with the £970,000 for North Yorkshire and £1.7 million that Surrey receives.
Councillor David Boyes reacted to these figures by pointing out the severe funding disparity faced by Durham Constabulary. The Labour councillor expressed his concerns: “It’s shocking that we’re in this position. We need more funds.”
When it came to approving the proposed precept, he concluded, “It’s a no-brainer, we’ve got to accept this.”
In agreement, Councillor Lucy Hovvels highlighted the unsustainable nature of the current financial arrangement for the force’s future, as she addressed fellow members: “We’re in a difficult position,” said the Labour councillor for Trimdon and Thornley. “It would be good if we didn’t put the precept up but we are in this position and we have no choice but to agree to the increase.”
Despite efforts to uphold officer numbers, Durham Constabulary is still among 11 forces in England with fewer officers now than in 2010. Offering a resident’s perspective, Councillor Ken Robson sympathetically acknowledged the significant financial constraints, yet echoed the public’s wish for increased visible policing, or as he put it, more “feet on the ground”.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/durham-police-precept-rise-thousands-30942461
