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Police and Crime Panel backs commissioner’s budget plans

Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Panel has today (Friday 2 February) supported Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez’ budget plans for 2018/19.

Results from the PCC's poll into the policing precept
Results from the PCC's poll into the policing precept

"I am pleased that the Police and Crime Panel has accepted my budget for 2018/19.

“In doing so the panel has supported our plans to take advantage of the Government’s decision to allow police and crime commissioners to increase the policing precept by £1 a month*.

“We do not take this step lightly. We know that many households operate on very tight budgets and have carefully considered the impact this would have.

“As criminals find new ways to commit crime, police need to work differently to stop them - but the public has told me a traditional, visible approach to community safety is still important to them.

“And the poll we have carried out over the past few weeks shows, quite categorically, that the public believes the police needs more funding (86% in favour) and are willing to pay £1 a month* locally.”

The increase means those living in a Band D property will pay £188 a year towards policing.

“The chief constable has assured me this money will go directly to policing where it is needed most - in communities,” said Ms Hernandez.

“I look forward to continuing to work with him to deliver the police service that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly deserves, to help protect the vulnerable, to support victims and to find innovative ways to make our communities safer.

Highlights of the budget are:

  • An increase in police officers to 3,015 by 2019/20;
  • Recruitment of 20 joint funded blue light officers to focus on delivering neighbourhood functions in rural communities;
  • Development a county police headquarters for Cornwall similar to the current work underway in Exeter;
  • Invest more in technology to drive efficiencies and productivity;
  • Roll out of body worn video (BWV) which will protect officers and victims, catch criminals and provide transparency to the public.

*For a band D property.