Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Giles Orpen-Smellie has proposed a rise in the police council tax precept, in order to meet increased demands and costs, after discussions with Norfolk’s chief constable Paul Sanford.
The increase would see the share of council tax paid for police services rise by £10 a year for a band D property.
It is a relatively small part of the overall council tax bill. Most of the money charged to people goes towards county, district and parish councils.
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However, even with the increase, it would still leave the constabulary £3.9m short for 2024/25 against current spending plans.
In January this year, people were told they would have to pay an extra £14.94 for a band D property, after Mr Orpen-Smellie proposed the maximum allowed rise in council tax.
Engagement events across the county will give people a chance to rank their priorities, regarding police services, in order of importance and whether they would be prepared to pay more to ensure the police force continues to tackle these in the future.
Mr Orpen-Smellie said: “Even though the police is achieving value for money, it doesn’t mean it can meet all the growing demands placed on it, such as the necessary investments required to ensure services meet expectations, such as call times for 101.
“To meet increased demands and costs, the law currently allows me to raise the policing element of council tax by just short of £10 a year – £9.99 – for a Band D property.
“As in previous years, I ‘m aware and concerned about the pressures on household budgets and the impact an increase in council tax could have for many.”
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Mr Orpen-Smellie will be engaging with the public over a 12-week consultation period that will run until 5pm, November 24.
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