Police panel told how council tax increase will help fund new officers in Staffordshire

A policing panel has heard details about how an increase in council tax will help fund dozens of new officers in Staffordshire.

The proposed 4.83% rise in the precept – the share of the council tax bill which funds Staffordshire Police – is below the current rate of inflation and the maximum level of increase allowed of £15 a year, councillors were told.

The rise means residents in Band D households would pay an extra £12 a year for Staffordshire Police services, bringing the total to £260.57 for 2023/24.

Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams presented the budget plans for 2023/24 at a Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting this week.

“As we come out of the pandemic we are essentially fighting a proxy war and suffering from supply-led inflation costs.

“The good news is that Staffordshire Police continues to be an exceptionally well-managed service and financially it is one of the stronger. We made good provision last year for many of the cost increases that have materialised, although like everywhere else didn’t quite get there in terms of pay inflations.

“I would remind you that police officers are not permitted to take industrial action, they have to abide by the national pay agreements.

“My own view is that the police officers are due a substantive pay rise, that they’ve had something reflecting inflation from two years ago and not what is affecting us all right now.

“This Medium Term Financial Strategy is based on settlements and forecasts we have of settlements from Government, which I don’t think take full account of what is likely to be a necessary pay increase for officers and staff next year.

“I’m expecting Government to step forward into that space because while I think we can go to residents and talk about council tax increases, that has to be around additionality and maintaining service, not around pay increases the rest of the public sector are enjoying.”

Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams

“Extra visible policing”

The proposed budget includes provision for an extra 60 police officers, the panel heard.

The commissioner said this was over and above the officers being recruited as part of a national increase.

“It means, with a fair wind, we will have 2,000 police officers on the books in Staffordshire by March next year.

“That is getting on for 400 more than we had in 2019 and it means I will meet my commitment to add 250 officers from being elected in May 2021.

“I’m delighted to be able to confirm that. Not least because when we talk to residents about paying a little more council tax, if it means extra officers, extra visible policing, extra local resources, they are mostly comfortable with that contribution.

“We’re going to be investing in technology for tackling vehicle crime and identifying criminals using our roads more effectively.

“We’re also funding through our capital programme the essential firearms training centre – a considerable investment but one that is absolutely necessary to maintain our safety. And we’re investing in new requirements for personal safety training. This is part of a national move to improve the capabilities and professionalism of the service.

“Staffordshire Police remain an excellent value for money service. We are a low-crime place but we’re also a low-cost service.

Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams

In a recent public consultation 58.5% of 1,948 respondents supported an increase in the police and crime precept, a report presented to the meeting said.

Panel members accepted the proposals following a discussion.

Cllr Richard Cox, who chaired the meeting, said:

“It is all on the delivery. I think what we are wanting to see is value for money and we also want to see actions that are quite clear and what our communities are stressing for in these difficult times.”

Cllr Richard Cox, Staffordshire County Council