Kentish Express Ashford & District
Council tax hike would pay for extra terror cops
The threat of a terror attack is one of the main reasons residents in Kent and Medway will be paying more to cover the costs of policing next year, says crime commissioner Matthew Scott.
Mr Scott has unveiled plans for a 3.3% increase in the police part of the council tax in 2017-18.
It will mean average household bills for the Kent Police element of the tax will rise to £157 for homes in Band D – the equivalent of an additional £5 a year.
Mr Scott said he did not want to impose an increase but not doing so would mean fewer police officers on the streets.
The commissioner said more money meant the county would be better protected from terror threats, and described his plans as “fair and reasonable.”
He said: “This year’s rise in the council tax will help Kent Police be even more readily able to respond in the event of a terrorist attack.
“It also means I can fund the increase in police officer numbers that residents have told me they want to see and we can keep PCSOs in the county.”
The number of officers in Kent would rise from 3,182 to 3,260. There would also be an increase in PCSOs, rising from 280 to 300.
A further 24 firearms officers are being recruited in accordance with government policy.
Mr Scott said the increase would also help tackle the rise in child slavery and exploitation and help those with mental health problems.
“Those involved in modern-day slavery, child sexual exploitation and human trafficking are not just using Kent as a gateway to and from the Continent, but committing these crimes right here. These often complex networks require substantial investment to investigate and disrupt.”
Kent Police has had to cut £62 million from its budget since 2012, losing 1,500 jobs.
The budget proposals, which will also see £5 million taken from the force’s reserves, will now go out to public consultation, and will have to be approved by the Kent and Medway crime panel.