More cash for policing, but council tax bills set to rise

13 February 2023

Policing in Nottinghamshire is to receive additional money this year, but the public will pay for it through increased council tax bills.

Last week in Parliament, Home Office minister Chris Philp announced a police funding settlement for England and Wales of £17.2 billion – an increase in £287 million on last year. However, much of the extra money will come through a hike in the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) precept on council tax bills.

Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley commented: “While any extra funding into policing is to be welcomed, the fact that our members will be facing higher household bills during a cost of living squeeze means this is a bittersweet announcement at best.

“What’s needed is a proper funding formula for policing that provides the money from central budgets, distributing according to need, not through the council tax which depends on the wealth of the local area, and provides long-term security.”

Simon added: “Let’s not forget that we endured years of austerity and with police pay now around 20 per cent lower in real terms, we are scrambling to get back to where police funding should be. In the meantime, the demands on my colleagues have increased massively, from the investigating new and more complex cyber-crime, to plugging the holes in mental health services.”

Labour’s Shadow Home Office minister Sarah Jones MP accused the Government of presiding over “demoralised and worn out” officers leaving the service and plummeting arrest and charge rates.

She said: “It is unacceptable that the decision to raise the precept limit is presented by the Government as increased flexibility, masking the truth of a council tax hike. The Government’s offer to local forces is that if they want money, they must raise it locally. And, of course, as has been pointed out, the money is not spread fairly.”