Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner which advised the Panel of the PCVC’s proposal to seek the view of the community on an increase in the policing element of Council Tax for 2018-19 (for copy see file of Minutes).

The PCVC informed the Panel that for the last few years there had been a cap of 2% on the increase which Police and Crime Commissioners were able to apply to Council Tax.  The Government had announced that this would change in 2018-19, with the cap now being £12 on a Band D property, which equated to £8 on a Band A property and £24 on a Band H property.  This equated to a 7.09% increase in County Durham.

Durham Constabulary had retained its ‘outstanding’ grading by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for all three questions in the PEEL Efficiency Inspection.  In order to maintain the excellent service they deliver the PCVC proposed to increase the precept by the maximum allowed, but to seek views on the proposal during January.

A 7.09% increase would cost a household in a Band A property an additional 15p per week.  An increase of less than 7.09% would result in a lower baseline for any increase in subsequent years, the budget would be permanently lower and the difference could never be recovered.

The PCVC informed the Panel that while he was reluctant to ask local council tax payers to pay more, and recognised that households were under pressure, he was also mindful of his responsibility to maintain an effective police force.  In view of the pressures which he was advised the force was going to be facing, in terms of pay awards, increased pension contributions, inflation, and rising demand, the budget needed to be in as strong a position as possible.  He was therefore proposing to increase the precept by the maximum available, but would be seeking the views of local people on this proposal.

Councillor Brookes informed the Panel that he considered the proposal by the PCVC to increase the precept on a Band D property by £12 a year to be sensible.  85% of properties within County Durham and Darlington were Band D and below and the current funding formula which was used was not fair to poorer areas.

Mr Dodwell, while being supportive of the PCVC’s proposed precept increase, expressed concern that negative feedback may be received if consultation on the proposed increase took place.  Alternatively, Mr Dodwell considered that the PCVC should inform the public of his proposals and reasoning for them, adding that the Panel was supportive of the proposals.  Mr Dodwell asked why the PCVC needed to consult on his proposed precept when the Combined Fire Authority, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council did not consult.  The PCVC replied that he was required by statute to seek the views of the public when proposing a precept.  Mr Dodwell considered that the PCVC should seek the views of the public on his decision to increase the precept rather than on his proposals to.  Councillor Hovvels added that Durham County Council did carry out consultation on its Council Tax and budget.

Councillor Hopgood informed the Panel that while she was supportive of the proposed 7.09% increase, the PCVC had already been out to consultation on a proposed 2% increase.  It was therefore important that the PCVC explain what the ‘extra’ 5.09% would fund and emphasise that this would help protect services for the future.

Councillor Jones informed the Panel that the PCVC was charged with providing an effective and efficient police service and he supported the proposed precept increase.

Mr Dodwell suggested, and the Panel agreed, that any press release on the proposed precept should contain input from the Chair of the Panel.

Resolved:

That the intention to consult on the proposed precept be noted and that the Chair provide input to a PCVC press release on the proposed precept.