Have your say on plans to increase Force funding

18 January 2022

Suffolk Police Federation is backing proposals from the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for a major £1.4 million investment in the Force control room and other initiatives.

The extra cash would come from council taxpayers as part of the policing precept and the PCC’s office has launched an online survey to try to secure public support for an increase to their bills.

The move has been welcomed by Suffolk Police Federation which said an increase in funding was vital with the extra investment enabling the recruitment of additional police sergeants in the control room and the creation of a digital desk to ensure the Force has the required capacity and capability to deal with public expectations regarding online and social media contact.

Branch chair Darren Harris said: “We very much support this proposal from the PCC.

“Extra funding from the policing element of the council tax bill is vital for the Force and would have a positive impact on our members with the introduction of new technology and an increase in the number of officers.

“Anything that helps us improve the service we give to the people of Suffolk is welcomed so we are fully behind the PCC’s proposals to overhaul the contact and control room.

“We would encourage our members to take part in the public consultation and make their views known.”

Suffolk PCC Tim Passmore said major improvements to the contact and control service were at the heart of his plans for the Force and wants to fund it by raising the policing precept by 19p a week (based on a Band D property) for the next financial year - the maximum amount authorised by policing minister Kit Malthouse.

The survey to gauge the public response to the PCC’s proposal closes at 9am on Thursday 27 January.

If the proposals are approved, this extra funding will improve 101 call answering and digital opportunities for multi-channel contact and provide additional capacity to effectively manage threat, harm and risk. It will also enable the Force to invest in technology to be more efficient and effective, and raise service standards.

Mr Passmore said: “Setting the budget is one of my most important responsibilities. I must ensure that the Chief Constable has the resources he needs to provide an efficient and effective service, whilst ensuring that I use Suffolk taxpayers’ money resourcefully.

“Our funding from Government this year is just not enough, even with the savings programme already agreed. I need to increase the precept to maintain the level of service we currently receive.

“The full £10 increase (for a band D property) will give us an extra £2.5m for policing in the county. Over £1 million will be used to fund existing commitments, such as inflation and pay, which leaves £1.4m to invest in the control room.

“In all my public engagement, including the recent consultation on my new Police and Crime Plan, the one thing that came through loud and clear was the public’s dissatisfaction with the 101 service. It is absolutely crucial I address these concerns.

“I have worked closely with the Chief Constable to agree how the potential funding will be allocated. It is a difficult balance but one that I believe meets the needs of the council taxpayer. I hope people will take the opportunity to respond to the survey and let me know their thoughts.”