Welshpool residents will be forced to pay an extra tenner a year on average for their council tax, and that’s before the 2.25% Powys County Council has already agreed to add.
Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that the increase – which amounts to £198.54 for a Band D property, a rise of £9.45 – will be included on your next bill.
The move comes in the same week councillors rubber stamped a 2.25% increase by Powys County Council as residents are forced to pick up the slack. Add the two together and Band D residents will need to fork out an extra £30 a year; and it could be more yet depending on community councils.
In defending its decision, Dyfed Powys Police carried out a survey of almost 2000 residents across the Force area with 70% declaring their willingness to pay up to 30p a week extra to protect the services. The rise announced equates to 18p per week.
Chair of the Police Authority, Mrs Delyth Humfryes MBE said: “In these difficult economic times Police Authority Members were mindful of trying to minimise any increases in the precept as much as possible whilst also ensuring we do our best to protect and maintain front line policing in our communities. In light of the significant financial pressures placed upon the Police Force, a 5% increase in the precept level for 2012/13 was necessary to ensure that the policing service delivered to the residents of Dyfed-Powys was not adversely affected.”
Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police Ian Arundale, said: “I’m pleased the Police Authority has decided to increase the precept by 5%. However, the Force still has to make significant cost reductions and while today’s news is welcome it will not necessarily improve our situation it will just stop things from getting any worse.
“The 5% precept rise will not help the Force to grow but what it will do is help to stabilise our cost reductions at 20%.
“I understand the financial crisis is difficult for everyone and I want to assure people in the communities we serve in Mid and West Wales that our priority remains protecting the frontline as far as possible.”