Here's how you can have your say on footing the bill for policing

A public consultation on the police precept - the force’s share of local council tax bills – has been launched today, Monday, January 11.

Options are:

1: No increase

2: 1.99% Increase - Increase of 23 pence per month (average for a Band D property).

3: 4.99% increase - Increase of 57 pence per month (average for a Band D property).

4: 10.95% increase - Increase of £1.25 per month (average for a Band D property).

The lowest potential rise – the equivalent of 23 pence for a Band D property - would cover basic cost increases allowing for inflation.

The force says the maximum £1.25 pence per month rise (10.95%) for a Band D property, would allow it to to meet all current costs and be better prepared to respond to emerging trends but Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness believes it is too high during a time of widespread unemployment and financial uncertainty.

“I know times are hard for so many people right now though, especially those whose jobs and livelihoods have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and so it’s really important that you have your say,” she said.

“Northumbria Police has taken a real hit in Government funding over the last decade, which has seen budget cuts for the police totalling £144 million. Unfortunately, this places a greater reliance upon the police precept share of your overall council tax bill to fund services.

“For me, it goes without saying that the Government should be doing more to fund police forces - now more than ever. The last 12 months has reinforced just how important our police force is – they’ve done an incredible job working to keep people safe during such difficult times. And we have to remember, the pandemic is far from over, recessions and crime go hand in hand – our police need the resources to deal with these ongoing pressures but it comes at a cost.”

The Northumbria Precept Survey 2021 can be completed here: - http://bit.ly/3nr9zXx

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper. If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops. Thank you for your support.