North Wales Police and Crime Panel approve increase in policing precept

The North Wales Police and Crime Panel has approved an increase in the policing precept for the 2024-25 financial year.

A meeting, held today at Bodlondeb in Conwy, saw the panel back Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin’s proposal, leading to a 32p weekly rise in Council Tax for Band D properties.

This equates to a 4.97% increase compared to last year, effective from April 2024.

The Police and Crime Panel, comprising ten councillors from across North Wales and three co-opted independent members, plays a crucial role in scrutinising the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Their decision reflects a careful consideration of the financial constraints facing Council Tax payers in the region.

In a survey involving over 1,500 responses, over half of the participants supported a Council Tax increase of at least £17.50 for policing – higher than the agreed £16.56 annual rise.

Andy Dunbobbin commented: “I am pleased that we have been able to put forward a proposal that will ensure an adequately funded police service for the coming year. Each one of us depends on having a well-financed and resourced Force that can fight crime and keep us all secure. I know that the residents of North Wales appreciate and understand this need and I welcome that the people who took part in our survey recognised this fact and supported an increase in the precept.

“However, at the same time, I know how difficult times are for many people and that large numbers are still struggling. This is why I am pleased to see the savings identified by the Force and why I will continue to fight on behalf of residents to deliver safer neighbourhoods, support victims and communities, and to see a fair and effective criminal justice system. The recent reduction in crime we have seen over the past year is welcome, and I hope that, given the tools, the officers and staff North Wales Police can continue to do their job effectively with the continued backing and support of residents.”

North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “I recognise that these are challenging financial times and I am acutely aware of the impact any increase in outgoings can have. I would however like to reassure people that if the precept is accepted by the Police and Crime Panel, we will invest the money to benefit people and communities across the whole of North Wales.

“One of our top priorities is to improve our visibility and engagement with our communities. All our intended areas of investment support this priority and are in line with the Police and Crime Plan. Together we will work to make North Wales the safest place in the UK to live, work and visit.”

Around half the money for the police budget in North Wales comes from the UK Government and the rest comes from Council Tax. The amount of council tax depends on the precept levied by the Police and Crime Commissioner. While the policing precept is charged as part of Council Tax bills, the precept amount goes only towards paying for policing. The rest of the Council Tax goes towards paying for fire and rescue services, as well as for the local council to provide services such as refuse collection, street lighting, education and social care.

The final decision on the increase in the precept will now be made by the North Wales Police and Crime Panel at their meeting on January 29, 2024 in Bodlondeb, Conwy, which will be live streamed on Conwy County Borough Council’s website. The Police and Crime Panel is a body made up of ten councillors from across North Wales and three co-opted independent members and scrutinises the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.