POLICE and Crime Commissioner John Campion says he is committed to investing in West Mercia Police and ensuring local communities ‘receive an efficient service’ through his 2020 budget proposals.
In February, Mr Campion will be setting out the budget to not only fund the force but also to commission activities which will help support crime reduction and victim services.
Mr Campion has less information to go by this year due to the unusual December general election and the uncertainty around central funding for the forthcoming financial year.
At this stage the commissioner is proposing a 2.94 per cent increase for the policing portion of council tax (which equates to approximately 50p extra per month for a Band D household).
This option was factored into a strategy he announced a year ago and covers the rising costs facing West Mercia Police.
It will support reforming the force and helping officers carry out their roles effectively.
Mr Campion (pictured) has included two other scenarios in his consultation.
The first is based on a two per cent council tax increase (a cap that is currently imposed by Government), and the second is based on the maximum that was allowed for the current financial year (£12/5.54%).
“During my term of office I have been able to make sure the force spends public money as efficiently as possible,” said Mr Campion.
“In last year’s budget we were able to increase police officer numbers to the highest level since 2012.
“It is important we are able to allocate funding so that communities can continue to reap the benefits.
“Also so the force can deal with the demands placed on it due to the changing nature of crime.”
To have your say visit www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90199724/Precept-consultation-2020-21 .
