North Wales Police precept to rise by 6.44% for Council Tax payers
The cost of North Wales Police’s precept will increase for council tax payers in North Wales after a police and crime panel rubber-stamped a 6.44% increase.
At a Bodlondeb meeting, the North Wales Police and Crime Panel agreed to increase the precept to £114,338,455.
The rise recommended by Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin means band D properties will pay £372.15 a year to the police, rising from £349.65 – an increase of 6.44% or £22.50.
The Police and Crime Panel is a body made up of councillors and co-opted independent members from across North Wales who scrutinise the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s chief finance officer Kate Jackson said the government formula that worked out police financing was outdated.
But Ms Jackson then added she had to balance her knowledge of some residents struggling financially with financing the police.
“I’ve been involved personally in the conversations to determine this figure. I feel confident that the savings identified are deliverable and that the process we have in place will enable us to identify the savings we’ll need for future years,” she said.
“Despite there being some support from members of the public for higher council tax increases, I feel comfortable that £22.50 is the appropriate level of increase for 20/26.”
She added: “It is clear some members of the public are struggling financially right now, and I have to balance that knowledge against the legal requirement to prepare a balanced budget.”
Cllr Louise Emery joked: “I’d love to meet the residents who wish to have a higher council tax. I’ve not met any of them in my ward!”
Cllr Emery later added: “Nobody wants council tax to go up at any level, but I think it (the precept report) is a very detailed plan.
“I’m happy that the financial planning is there, medium and long-term, and obviously that is from your financial resilience, and it is a reasonable rise.”
She added: “Forty-three pence a week sounds nothing, but of course, it all adds up for the taxpayers. But I’m happy that 6.44% is reasonable.”
Cllr Chris Bithell warned: “If you think it’s bad now, wait till the new formula comes in, if it does.”
The panel’s chairwoman Pat Astbury said: “The Police and Crime Panel have agreed the Commissioner’s Police Budget for 2025/26 and are mindful of the financial constraints affecting all council tax payers in North Wales; however, we believe that the police precept remains at a level which supports an effective and efficient police service which gives good value for money.”
The panel voted unanimously in favour of the rise. Council tax levels will be determined by local authorities in February, with each budget including police precepts in the final figures.
By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter
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