News
Police council tax remains one of the lowest in England and Wales
11 February 2010
Ann Barnes, Chair of the Kent Police Authority, today announced a police council tax increase of 2.99%. For the average band D house this is a small increase of 8p a week - £4 a year – bringing the total police payment to £139 a year.
Police Authority members unanimously made the decision at a meeting held today (10 February) at Kent Police Headquarters.
The decision follows months of discussions between the Chief Constable and members of the Kent Police Authority as to the pressures on the force during 2010. A budget of £285million was agreed of which 69% is funded by the government and 31% by the police council taxpayer.
The additional funding will ensure neighbourhood task teams continue in post. The task teams were funded by police council tax payments from the last two years. The teams, made up of one sergeant and five police constables, are reducing crime and anti-social behaviour across the county.
The Police Authority and Force will also set up a dedicated project team that will focus on finding where other savings can be made within Kent Police during the next four years. The Government has clearly signalled that in future years the financial climate will be extremely demanding.
Public confidence is also high on the agenda. Funds will be invested in improving communications with the public through ward based community safety newsletters. Residents will be able to find out how police, local councils and partner agencies are dealing with crime where they live. Current editions can be viewed at www.kent.police.uk/newsletters
The Force will also look at how the organisation is structured and design a policing model that will find the best ways of working for the future. Part of this will involve a wide consultation programme by the Authority.
Ann Barnes, Chair of the Kent Police Authority said: ‘This year has been one of the hardest decisions for the Authority as demands on policing continue. But I’m pleased to say this is in fact our lowest police council tax rise in the last ten years. No one likes putting up taxes but we’re working within a very tight financial climate. We need to balance the pressures on the Chief Constable with a value for money service for the public.
‘We’ve consulted widely about the increase and are satisfied that this amount is the very minimum we can set for this year’s police council tax. This is about putting money in to save money in the future. We’re the second lowest police council tax for a shire in England and Wales. I think that this shows just how prudent the Authority is with finances – as recognised by our external auditors.
We need to maintain the improvements the force has made so far. We’re already making savings in-house through our joint working with Essex Police but we need to do more. I’m really keen for Kent to become a top performing force but we need to continue how we’re doing – and do even more - to provide the best possible policing service we can.’
Michael Fuller, Chief Constable said: ‘I’m delighted the Police Authority has unanimously agreed to a budget of £285million. This will allow Kent Police to continue to provide a day-to-day policing service. We have an ambitious three year plan set by the Police Authority and I’m confident that with this budget we will be able to meet our performance targets.
‘We are aware these are difficult financial times but the council tax increase will allow neighbourhood policing to continue, and our efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour. We will also find smarter ways of working in-house through making savings. Crime is going down across the county and following today’s decision we’re keen to drive this down further during the forthcoming year.’
Click on the image below to find out in more detail how your money is being spent in 2010.
VIDEO: KPA Chief Executive comments on police council tax