Chair calls for overhaul of funding as PCC consults on policing budget

20 December 2024

The chair of the Derbyshire Police Federation has thanked the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for her proactive approach to finding the money needed to improve policing.

PCC Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has launched a survey asking for the views of Derbyshire residents on any increase in the amount of council tax paid towards policing, known as the policing precept.

However, Keith Chambers called for an overhaul of funding, arguing governments were increasingly handing the responsibility for police budgets to council taxpayers.

Keith reiterated the Federation’s calls for more investment into policing after the cuts and underinvestment of the past decade.

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts.

And he also called for a long-term funding model that would enable police leaders to plan ahead.

He said: “The cuts and underinvestment of austerity continue to have a huge impact on policing in Derbyshire.

“Even now, our Chief Constable is going to have to make tough decisions because budgets do not meet the needs of our Force.

“Increasingly, the PCC is having to try to make up the shortfalls through the council tax precept, but that isn’t sustainable. People only have so much money.

“While I thank her for her proactive approach to police funding, what we need is an overhaul of the system.

Long-term funding

“We need the introduction of a long-term funding mechanism that enables chief officers to plan with clarity and with certainty and not live hand-to-mouth.

“It’s very tough to run an efficient and proactive modern police force, with all the demands placed on it, when you don’t know what your budget will be from one year to the next.

“We need a system that is fit for purpose for the present, and that also allows for investment to take policing forwards.”

As she prepares for her first budget for 2025-26, Nicolle is asking residents whether they would be prepared to pay an additional £1.25 and £1.50 per month – equivalent to between £15 and £18 per year – which would fund a number of improvements, including more police officers.

Alternative options include paying between £1 and £1.25 extra, which would not entirely cover the costs of essential services, but with internal savings would help the Force manage the impact of increased costs and maintain current service levels.

Essential services

Residents could pay between 67p and £1 extra, which would not entirely cover the increased cost of essential services and result in a reduction to some services.

Or they could opt for no increase at all.

Nicolle said: “I urge every Derbyshire resident to complete the survey. which will only take a couple of minutes.

“It’s really important to understand how much residents are prepared to pay towards an improved police service.

“This is their police service, and as PCC I am the voice of the public, so I’m asking them to get involved and let me know their views.

“I really believe that if we work together, we can build the safer and stronger Derbyshire that we all wish to see.”

Take the survey here.