‘Stark financial pressures facing the police force’
DYFEDPOWYS police and crime commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has warned of stark financial pressures facing the force, as he launches a public consultation on next year’s police budget.
Mr Llywelyn has launched a public consultation on police funding, giving the public the opportunity to have their say on the police precept level for the next financial year.
Police and crime commissioners are responsible for setting the police precept which is the amount that local council taxpayers contribute towards policing.
The commissioner’s overall budget for 2022/23 is £127.4m with £60.7m of funding coming from Uk/welsh Government and £66.7m from local council tax precept.
Currently, a Band D council tax payer in Dyfed-powys pay £290.16 through their council tax to support policing.
In launching the precept consultation for 2023/24, Mr Llywelyn has warned of stark financial pressures and resultant operational risks which could threaten the continued safety of our communities.
He said: “Deciding on the precept level is always a challenging process, but this year sees unprecedented challenges given the severe financial landscape.
“Inflation, rapidly rising costs and uncertainty about how much money forces will receive from the government for the next financial year through the Police Grant Settlements, has put policing in an incredibly difficult position.
“There are also additional pressures arising from both the increase in volume and complexity of crime, which we must take into consideration as we look to the future.
“Given the scale of all the challenges, the chief constable initiated a force review during the summer to critically assess all areas of activity seeking efficiencies, savings and transformational opportunities.
“I am painfully aware of the pressure the cost-of-living crisis is putting on people across Wales and indeed locally. Sadly, these challenges and rising costs are hitting emergency services too, and we need to act now to protect our vital service to the public.
“Despite careful financial planning by the force, we will have to make increasingly difficult decisions over the next few years, but my priority is to ensure we can continue to run an efficient and effective Police force to continue to keep our communities safe.
“All options being put forward within this precept consultation rely on the force making efficiency and savings of between £4.1m and £5.9m in the next year.”
As he appealed to the public to complete the short consultation, Mr Llywelyn concluded: “It is a very challenging year, but it is very important for me to hear people’s views, therefore I am urging our residents and businesses to have their say through this consultation.”
The survey will remain open until January 8, and can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ R2WY8HV.