Council tax for policing and fire services to increase

Crime commissioner David Keane has announced that the police precept is set to increase by £1.25 per month in the county.

Meanwhile, the portion of council tax used to fund Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is set to increase by nearly two per cent – taking the cost per year to £80.87 for a band D property, up from £79.29.

Mr Keane said: “2020 was one of the most challenging years in living memory, and I know that many of us are anxious about the future.

“The pandemic has shown us just how important policing and other key public services are when it comes to protecting our communities.

“Unfortunately, Covid-19 has also made the future financial position for policing even more challenging.

“Funding for Cheshire Police has been cut significantly by the government over the past decade.

“We have made more than £60million of savings during this time, whilst striving to ensure this vital service remains effective.

“During this period, I’ve maintained my commitment to bring back real community policing to Cheshire.

“With the support of the public, I have been able to increase officer numbers to ensure every community in Cheshire has its own dedicated police constable and police community support officer.

“The extra funding that the government boasts about is dependent on local residents paying more in council tax – £1.25 a month for the average band D property – over the next year.

“I completely disagree with the government putting the burden on local taxpayers.

"However, the chief constable has advised me that without this increase, Cheshire Police would be unable to maintain its existing level of service and would be unable to meet the additional operational demands and pressures that we face.

“As your voice in policing, I want to hear your views on this proposal and I want to know what your policing priorities are for the coming year."

Cheshire Fire Authority chairman Cllr Bob Rudd also blamed the increase on a lack of central funding.

He added: “The £1.58 per year council tax increase we are proposing will assist the service in responding to incidents and help keep residents in Cheshire safe.

“Since 2014, the authority has not received an annual capital grant from the government and we assume that going forward the authority will receive no, or very small increases, in central government funding.

“This means we would not be able to cover ongoing costs such as inflation.

“Instead, the authority has to find other ways to balance its budget in a way that still ensures the safety of the community.

“This will improve how we provide cover across Cheshire to respond to fires and other emergencies.

“It would also help us continue with our plans to modernise many of our premises to ensure older fire stations across the county can meet modern standards and be fit for the future."

A consultation on the police precept runs until Sunday, January 24, and residents can give their views by completing the survey at wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?sk=160759151682.

Online engagement events with the police and crime commissioner and Cheshire Police chief constable Darren Martland will take place on January 12, 16 and 19.

Views on the fire service increase can be given at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CheshireFireBudget2021, with a consultation running until Thursday, January 28.