Police want 6.2% increase on their slice of Council Tax

Residents are set to be asked to pay 6.2% extra on their council tax to cover part of the rise in cost of local policing this year.

The figure has been requested by Dyfed-Powys Police as it revealed a budget of £143.902million for the next financial year, with the Council Tax precept expected to cover £79.364m.

It means that an occupant of a Band D property will pay an extra £19.38 per annum, to £332.03, an increase of 6.2% to what they currently pay.

With Powys County Council, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and local town and community councils also set to include sharp increases, we will all be paying a lot more over the coming 12-month financial period.

The area’s Crime Panel will scrutinise the figure with Dafydd Llewellyn, the Police and Crime Commissioner, at a meeting on Friday, when he will explain how the budget will meet policing needs.

He will also inform the panel of new objectives for the Chief Constable to focus on improved performance and outcomes.

Panel Chair, Professor Ian Roffe, said: “Scrutinising and challenging the need for policing is a crucial public service. No one wants to see a rise in their bills though, so we want to hear what the needs are for an increase.

“Scrutinising the needs and reasons for funds is a key facet of work for the Panel. So, a group of experienced members under the guidance of Cllr. Keith Evans has worked to consider in detail the police budget requirement. A decision will be made by all Panel members, representing the length and breadth of Dyfed-Powys, at this meeting after hearing the Commissioners plans for the coming year.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel’s meeting at Pembrokeshire County Hall at 10.30am on January 26 will be live-streamed.

The panel, made up of members nominated by the four county councils in the force area plus two independent members, has the power to approve or veto the proposed police precept. Local policing is funded from a Home Office grant, as well as contributions from the public via the Council Tax, known as the police precept.

Visit www.dppoliceandcrimepanel.wales for more information about the Panel, its membership, forthcoming meeting dates, agendas and webcasting links, as well as submitting questions for the Panel to put to the Commissioner.