Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) which presented the proposal for the policing element of the Council Tax Precept 2015/16 and provided an update in relation to the consultation on that proposal (for copy see file of Minutes).

The PCC advised that the proposal would see a modest precept increase of 1.98% and of those consulted, 67.8% were in agreement with the proposed increase. The Panel were advised that Durham Constabulary maintained one of the lowest precepts nationally.

Councillor Boyes supported the proposal, noting that the proposal represented an annual increase of only £2.11 for a Band A property. Councillor Armstrong echoed that support, though indicated that he would have supported a higher increase if it meant that police resources would be protected.

In response to a query from Councillor Armstrong, the PCC clarified that virtually all force areas proposed to apply a gradual increase on the precept and most were increasing in a similar range to Durham.

Resolved:

That the current position of the consultation and the expected outcome of a 1.98% precept increase be noted.