PEOPLE are being asked for their views on the amount of council tax to pay for police and fire services.
Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams has launched a consultation to find out what local residents think ahead of budgets being set.
He said:
“This is proving to be another challenging year for setting the budgets for our local police and fire and rescue services. Once again, Government grant funding does not fully cover the increased cost of inflation, pay rises or national policy decisions.
“The Government talks publicly about increased “spending power” for our emergency services, but unfortunately this relies on above inflation increases in local council tax.
“In recent years, you have supported small council tax increases. These increases amount to only a few pounds extra a year, but I remain very aware that everyday life is becoming more expensive.
“I would like to understand whether people would support a small increase – just a few pounds above inflation – to allow these investments in your community safety to continue.
“My preference would be not to raise council tax at all. However, this would lead to real cuts in your services and a reduction in their capability to keep people safe, and I do not believe that is what any of us want.
“Every penny raised will be focused on strengthening both services so they are fit for the future. I expect this approach, coupled with robust savings, will mean we are all better off and safer.
“It will allow us to continue investing in police officers and staff, maintain our firefighter numbers and ensure they have the equipment and skills required to keep themselves – and communities – safe.
“All comments submitted as part of this consultation will be carefully considered before I set the budget in the New Year.”
The consultation runs until 19th January. People can give their views online.
