THE POLICE element of residents’ council tax bills will rise by up to £10 for a Band D property next April.
If approved in full, this will will see the amount rise from £256.28 a year to £266.28.
The news comes after a call on how to spend money on policing has been issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Matthew Barber has launched a survey to help set the 2024/25 budget, a process that has to be completed by January and is based on central government grant allocation, due to be revealed later this month.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to ensure that Thames Valley Police has the resources to effectively prevent and investigate crime, support victims and protect communities from harm,” he said.
“Setting the budget is often a complex process in balancing priorities, and one which is again this year taking place against a challenging economic backdrop.
“Economic pressures such as high utility, fuel, and vehicle costs continue to impact policing budgets and I am acutely aware that cost of living pressures are affecting households across the Thames Valley.
“Thames Valley residents deserve and expect to receive an exceptional service from their police force. I want to ensure that the budget can support this, deliver value for money for residents and address the concerns and priorities of communities.”
He said he wanted to see a continued investment in local neighbourhood policing.
“There have already been significant improvements made, but I am determined to increase visible policing within our communities and to tackle issues such as shoplifting and keep burglaries low,” Mr Barber continued.
“By providing your feedback, you can help shape important decisions about police funding and how Thames Valley Police can continue to work to keep us all safe.”
The survey can be completed by visiting the PCC website, by noon on Friday, January 5.
For more details, log on to: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/ or call: 01865 541957.
