PCC asks North Wales residents for views on policing cost

Around half the money for the police budget in North Wales comes from the UK Government and the rest comes from council tax. The amount people pay in their Council Tax depends on the precept levied by Police and Crime Commissioners. And from today (November 27), people will be able to give their view on how much that should be in the form of an online or paper questionnaire.

There are questions on the options for the amount spent on policing, as well as what priorities people want to see North Wales Police concentrate on. Residents can also say how they rate policing in their own community more generally. Following the closing of the survey, the results will be studied and Mr Dunbobbin will make a proposal on the level of precept to the Police and Crime Panel at a meeting on January 29, 2024.

The amount paid by people will then change in April, at the start of the coming financial year 2024/25. Since 2010, as part of its commitment to offer the best possible value to the people of North Wales, North Wales Police has already made savings totalling GBP42.799m. But it is likely a council tax increase of GBP21.78 in the precept is needed to create a standstill budget for the coming year, with no cuts.

However, Mr Dunbobbin is conscious of current pressures on household budgets and is keen to know what level of council tax increase residents would support through his consultation. He said: "As a husband and father, and as someone who still lives in the heart of the community I grew up in, I know that people's safety and security are paramount. "But I also know how much pressure families and people are under generally today.

"We all depend on - and should help - each other, wherever and whenever we can. "But the safety and security of our neighbourhoods depend on an effective and well-funded police service. FURTHER READING:

"Wherever I travel in North Wales, from Anglesey to Wrexham, Llanrwst, Pwllheli and Barmouth, I know how much people value the work of North Wales Police and its officers and staff. "But this valuable work comes at a cost, and it is my duty on the behalf of residents, to work out what this cost should be. That is why I need local residents to help inform my decision.

"I would urge the people of North Wales to join in my consultation and tell me what they are willing, and able, to pay to fund policing in our community." The PCC's consultation and survey are fully bilingual in Welsh and English (as well as Easy Read), and print copies are available at libraries and police stations across North Wales. Residents can also email or write to request a copy to be sent to them.

Residents can fill in the survey via the following links: Representatives of the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will also be at locations across North Wales throughout the survey period engaging with people in person to complete the survey. The consultation launches on November 27 and closes on January 7, 2024.Residents can also visit www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk during the consultation period and fill in the short survey to make their voice heard.

To receive a paper copy by post, contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner by email ([email protected]) phone (01492 805486) or post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters.

Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW.