Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall is responsible for setting the policing element of council tax each year, and today opens the council tax precept consultation, asking for public feedback on the budget proposal for Cumbria Constabulary 2024-2025.

Each year, Cumbria Constabulary is part funded by government grants and the rest is funded by residents of Cumbria, through what is called the police council tax precept, and together this provides funds for policing and keeping us all safe.

PFCC Peter McCall comments: “Cumbria Constabulary is rated among the best police forces in the country for fighting crime and tackling anti-social behaviour.  Crime across the county so far, this financial year is down by 8.6% and that means our communities are safer and there are reduced number of victims as a result. 

“The Chief Constable, Rob Carden is leading a high visibility, performance driven, policing approach supported by an additional 243 police officers, all focused on tackling crime and keeping us safe.  As taxpayers we have invested in these extra officers.

“Our Police are working hard for us, with more resource they are delivering, but of course inflation affects policing like everything else.  Reluctantly, I must seek an increase in the policing part of the council tax precept to ensure that we maintain this resource and continue the great work we’ve seen. 

“We have all seen the effect of cuts in the past and that is why I ask for your support to ensure the Police remain in the strong position we’ve now built.  Even with an increase we will have to continue to make efficiencies.  However, your support for a modest increase of 17p per week for a Band A property or 25p per week Band D, will mean Cumbria Police will continue to deliver more.

“I know that we are all affected by inflation, and of course none of us ever want to pay more, but policing and keeping our families safe, is important to us all.  Please help us to help you by supporting this vital increase in funding for this essential service and the officers who serve us so well.

“If you would like to have your say, please follow the below link to my consultation.”

Chief Constable Rob Carden, Cumbria Constabulary comments: “I echo the comments of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and ask our communities to maintain their support to enable us to deliver a first-class police service.

“The financial landscape remains challenging but, through your continued support, we will maintain our investment in a visible and accessible police service to keep Cumbria safe.”

A link to the survey can be found here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFCCCouncilTaxPrecept2425

The survey will close at 5pm on Friday 26 January and paper copies of this survey can be obtained by ringing 01768 217734 or emailing commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk