Statement from the Police and Crime Commissioner on the 2018/19 Police Grant Settlement

Full statement from PCC Alison Hernandez following the police funding announcement made this afternoon, 19 December 2017.

I am extremely pleased that Central Government have listened to the concerns raised by myself and the chief constable following our meeting with Home Office Ministers about our severely constrained finances.  Our concerns have been echoed by other Commissioners across the country who face a similar situation.  

We know that recorded crime is increasing and the nature of crime is changing.

We have significant demand pressures in the peninsula and police finance has been challenging.   We continue to explore all avenues to improve our efficiency, increase our productivity and transform our workforce to provide the best possible service to the public.

Communities regularly and persistently raise with me their concerns about levels of local policing.  Extra support for policing and crime prevention is welcome if it will help us to ensure that our communities remain safe, resilient and connected.

The new flexibilities that have been announced today are a positive step and I will be considering how I can best support Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and keep them safe with the chief constable over the next few weeks.

The proposed approach by Central Government on improving our overall financial position will however need the support of our local communities who would pay up to a further £1 a month through their council tax.

I will take any proposals I have on changes on the council tax precept through the Police and Crime Panel at the start of February 2018.