North Wales residents: Have your say on policing costs

Residents of North Wales are being given a opportunity to influence the future of policing in their region.

From today until 7 January 2024, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin is calling on locals to express their views on the amount of money they are prepared to contribute to the police budget.

The police budget in North Wales is partially funded by the UK Government, with the remainder coming from Council Tax.

The level of Council Tax each person pays towards policing is determined by the precept set by Police and Crime Commissioners.

Residents can provide their input through an online or paper questionnaire.

The survey includes questions about the preferred amount to be spent on policing and the priorities people want North Wales Police to focus on.

It also seeks residents’ general opinions on the effectiveness of policing in their communities.

Following the closure of the survey, Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin will review the results and propose a precept level to the Police and Crime Panel on 29 January 2024.

Any changes in the amount paid by residents will come into effect in April 2024.

Balancing Budget and Household Pressures

Since 2010, North Wales Police have achieved savings of £42.799 million.

However, to maintain the current level of service without cuts, an increase of £21.78 in the Council Tax precept might be necessary.

Commissioner Dunbobbin acknowledges the current economic pressures on households and seeks public input to gauge the level of support for any potential tax increase.

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. ”

“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.”

Funds raised through Council Tax also enable the PCC to support various community services. These include support for victims of crime and efforts to reduce reoffending, with initiatives like DASU, RASASC, Gorwel, and Checkpoint Cymru.

The consultation launches on 27 November 2023 and closes on the 7 January 2024.

Residents can fill in the survey via the following links:

English: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/opcc_precept23

Welsh: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/praesept23_schth

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 in the following ways:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01492 805486

Post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters. Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW