Hundreds of residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have said they would be willing to pay more for policing in the coming year.
That is the finding of a survey carried out by Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, who sets the budget for policing services locally.
The survey, which included on-line and telephone elements and in which over 850 residents participated, was carried out at the end of 2014. It asked whether they would be prepared to pay more in the element of their council tax bills which is spent on policing (known as the Policing Precept).
The overwhelming majority of respondents said they would be prepared to pay an extra 2% on their bills for the financial year 2015/2016 – the equivalent of an extra 7p per week (or £3.64 per year) for the average household.
Sir Clive said: “I want to thank everyone who took part in the survey and for giving me their views. Without doubt, those opinions will help me in deciding the amount of money to be charged to residents for policing in the coming year.
“The consultation results show a clear preference towards a 2% increase despite the fact that this would represent an extra financial burden – albeit relatively small – on often hard-pressed families. To me, that clearly demonstrates the importance the public place on having a well-resourced police service.
“I will now consider very carefully the views of those respondents, along with many other significant factors, as I decide my proposed precept for 2015/16 for presentation to the Police and Crime Panel at its meeting on 29January 2015.
“Over recent years, the Leicestershire Police Force has faced significant financial challenges as the funding provided by central government has reduced; during a four year period, savings of over £23m have been found. Should I propose an increase in the policing precept – a decision that will be taken anything other than lightly – this would go some way to meeting some of those financial challenges whilst also allowing the Chief Constable to continue to address key policing priorities that lie ahead.”
A total of 163 people completed an on-line survey about the policing budget, and around 700 took part in a telephone survey. A copy of the final survey results will be available on the OPCC website in due course.
Posted on Monday 9th May 2016