Council Tax precepts up to help fund South Wales and Dyfed-Powys Police
THE amount of council tax people contribute to police looks set to increase — but there are big differences between the South Wales and Dyfed-Powys forces.
Police precepts for householders in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are set to go up by 7 per cent this year, while in Carmarthenshire the increase is just under 4 per cent.
The changes will mean a typical Band D household in the South Wales Police area paying £181 a year, while in Dyfed-Powys they will be paying £206.
The increases are being proposed by the forces's commissioners, and will need to be approved by their respective police and crime panels.
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South Wales Police commissioner Alun Michael said the increase would help to mitigate the effects of the "draconian" cuts in budgets from the Home Office, and would be used to create a £1 million fund to help tackle issues including youth offending and domestic violence.
He said: "I realise that any increase in council tax is difficult for the public in South Wales.
"However, I have had to make the difficult decision in order to act responsibly and effectively protect and maintain a high quality police service in South Wales.
"This budget allows us to continue the downward pressure on crime and disorder, even in such difficult times."
He added: "It is important to note that South Wales Police will still have the lowest cost of policing for the tax payer in Wales."
The propsed increase will go before the police and crime panel next week. Last year's increase in South Wales precept was five per cent.
Dyfed-Powys Police commissioner, Christopher Salmon, said that in arriving at his increase — of 3.9 per cent — he had tried to balance the need of providing effective policing with the cost to taxpayers.
He said: "I am acutely conscious of the pressure on family budgets in these tough times.
"In proposing the council tax precept, I have sought to balance the needs of our police service with the demands on families across Dyfed-Powys.
"The budget allows scope for much needed investment in new facilities and leaves us well positioned to cope with unexpected events in future."
He added his aim was to bring rises into line with inflation over the next four years. Last year's precept increase was five per cent. Mr Salmon will put his proposals to the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel tomorrow.
Until the creation of commissioners, the responsibility for setting precepts lay with police authorities which were made-up of councillors and independent members.
Three-quarters of Welsh police budgets come from Westminster — either directly or via Cardiff Bay — with the remainder coming from council tax.
10 Comments
by BossHogg
Friday, January 25 2013, 2:16PM
“The company is a A1 Guns. Not a very wise choice i think.”
by BossHogg
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:36PM
“Off subject, but just spotted this. Has anyone seen the top of the Evening Post Website. Look at the very top where it says "in association with:". It is this company (http://tinyurl.com/b5splyg)”
by simontaverner
Thursday, January 24 2013, 2:14PM
“It seeme to me that the police are the one's who are the thieves - taking money from people who just can't afford to go on giving yearr after year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by eschluessel
Thursday, January 24 2013, 11:34AM
“And just a week ago -- long enough, I suppose, for him to hope we forgot -- Alun Michael created two new top managerial positions at £66,000 each (see "South Wales Police commissioner to advertise for a deputy and assistant" in the SW Evening Post, Thursday January 17).
Stop wasting money, Alun, and stop passing Tory cuts onto the people you used to represent...but I suppose it's quite hard for a former New Labour MP to break this habit.”
by saddned
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:58AM
“"South Wales Police must cut £25m over three years." from BBC website.
The Government has told you to make cuts not generate money through back door Council tax hikes!!
"South Wales Police commissioner Alun Michael said the increase would help to mitigate the effects of the "draconian" cuts in budgets from the Home Office, and would be used to create a £1 million fund to help tackle issues including youth offending and domestic violence." (EP)
"Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael said the "modest" 7% rise would pay for 40 police community support officers (PCSOs). " (BBC website)
Make your mind up. What's next another rise to buy top of the range motor vehicles??”
by Julesbreadbox
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:30AM
“Didn't I tell you?
You wouldn't believe me, shouting me down.
Here we are: up and up and up it goes!”
by Neathboy234
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:23AM
“This is because central government(Westminster) has cut back on the amount they pay. Living in an E band house i expect i'll pay more than most, i guess on a positive note i'm more likely to get burgled as well lol”
by brochadav
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:17AM
“How about getting rid of all PCSO's and use half the budget to employ warranted officers, saving money and putting proper police officers out on patrol instead.
Then stop senior officers having expensive cars, they can be driven around in Mondeo's, not BMW's or the like.
I'm sure there are other ways to save money without putting up the precept or cutting front line staff.”
by saddned
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:08AM
“Total rip off!!! like the rest of the country live with austerity measures and live within your means. Seems like the police commissioner can propose what he wants, why don't you ask the people you serve if they need more police.”
by weslangdon
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:48AM
“His aims are laudable but he needs to tackle sickness and civilianise posts that don't need warranted officers to perform them. It is very hard to justify a % increase.”