PCC launches budget survey
21 November 2022
Gwent Police Federation members are being encouraged to have their say in the Force’s 2023/24 budget planning.
Jeff Cuthbert, Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, is asking residents for their views on police funding for the next financial year.
The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for setting the amount residents pay towards policing each month, with almost 40 per cent of the Gwent Police budget of £173 million now coming from local council taxpayers.
Matthew Candy, Gwent Police Federation chair, said: “Gwent Police – like so many forces across the country – is facing tough funding and spending decisions.
“We’re in the grip of a cost of living crisis with high energy and fuel prices diverting vital funds from frontline police services, and the uncertainty over public services thrown up by the autumn statement.
“So it’s vital that members of the Gwent community have their say and share their thoughts on the budget – and that includes our members and their colleagues.”
Mr Cuthbert said: “Continuing economic uncertainty, particularly in relation to funding for public services, means that the future financial position for policing remains uncertain and extremely challenging.
“Daily demands are growing, costs are rising, and the money available to protect communities is shrinking. At the same the cost of living crisis is hitting our residents hard.
“We will not know how much money the UK Government will give police forces until December 2022. I will continue to lobby the UK Government for more money for policing, but we cannot wait until then to begin planning for the year ahead.
“Our financial modelling tells us that a rise in council tax of £25 per year for the average property is our best chance of attempting to maintain current service levels. Even with this increase there will be a significant deficit which will need to be balanced by efficiency savings.
“This is always a difficult decision to make and it is not one I take lightly. This year it is more difficult than ever and before I take a decision I want residents to have their say.”
Complete the survey and have your say.
