Policing bill going up for tax payers

THE amount householders pay towards policing in Mid and West Wales will rise in April.

The new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dyfed-Powys is proposing a 3.9 per cent increase in the amount it charges residents.

The average Band D property owner will see their bills rise from £198 to £206.

Conservative Christopher Salmon, who was elected as the force's PCC in November, said the increase was lower than in recent years.

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He said he had tried to balance the need of providing an effective policing service, while minimising as far as possible the cost to taxpayers.

Mr Salmon said it was the equivalent of a 14.9p weekly increase for band D households. It will take Dyfed-Powys Police's budget to £98 million for 2013-14.

Mr Salmon said he would discuss his proposals with the Police and Crime Panel.

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.

"I am proposing a rise of 3.9 per cent, down from the rises of between 4.2 per cent and 5 per cent of recent years.

"This produces a challenging but achievable budget for Dyfed-Powys Police that will enable us to protect service to the public whilst minimising demands on taxpayers.

"My aim is to bring rises into line with inflation over the next four years.

"The budget allows scope for much needed investment in new facilities and leaves us well positioned to cope with unexpected events in future.

"Thanks to the fantastic work of all in the police, we can improve our service even in tough financial times."

Details of Mr Salmon's precept proposals are in his draft Police and Crime Plan, which is open for public consultation until February 6.

Council tax bills are made up of three elements, county council tax demands, those by police and community or town councils.

County councils will start revealing their tax demands next month.

Mr Salmon is urging people to share views on his plan, which is available to view on his website: www.dyfed- powys.pcc.police.uk