Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Acting Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner which provided an update on the process for setting the Policing precept for 2020-21 and sought the Panel’s support for an increase of £10 per household per year for properties in Band D and commensurate increases for other properties (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Acting Chief Executive informed the Panel that 2,744 responses to the consultation had been received, which was 440% more than the previous year.  Consultation had engaged social media advertising and SurveyMonkey and this engagement would continue through the year to measure what people thought about the police service.

Councillor Boyes informed the Panel that the level of response had been fantastic.  The Government was decreasing the amount of money paid in grants to Police forces and funding was becoming increasingly reliant on the precept.  The consultation feedback was a validation by people in County Durham and Darlington of what was being proposed.

Councillor Crathorne praised the Acting PCVC for his AAP attendance which had enabled him to explain to the community the need for investment in IT and infrastructure.  Councillor Quinn asked whether the Acting PCVC would be able to attend Town Council meetings.  The Acting PCVC replied that he would attend such meetings if invited.  The Chair suggested that attendance at the Town Council Forum, to which all Town Council’s were invited, may be a better solution.

Moved by Councillor Boyes, Seconded by Councillor Crathorne and

Resolved:

i)             That the current position of the consultation and expected outcome be noted

ii)            That the proposed 4.87% precept increase be approved.

iii)           That there be no veto of the Acting PCVC proposal

iv)          That the Chairman respond to the Acting PCVC and the response be published online