Residents will pay more towards policing as part of their council tax bills in County Durham and Darlington after a five per cent increase was approved, writes Local Democrcy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Councillors have signed off on plans from the region’s police commissioner to raise the police precept for households by the maximum permitted amount.
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Joy Allen proposed the hike on the portion of council tax charges across County Durham and Darlington which goes towards the force’s budget.
The increase will amount to an extra £9.33 per year for a Band A property’s bills and a maximum £28 in a Band H household.
PCC Allen, a Labour politician reelected to the role last May, said police officer numbers at Durham Constabulary will be maintained following the increase.
The current total of 1,379 officers will be secure until at least April 2026.
It will also allow Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to continue serving local neighbourhoods by increasing visibility on the streets, tackling drink and drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour including off-road bikes.
Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said the force has experienced improvements in its performance but it remains a “really challenging period for policing”, as the force continues to operate within tight financial margins.
However, she warned police staff numbers are threatened with cuts. “I am doing everything I can to maintain policing numbers to keep our communities safe,” Chief Constable Bacon told councillors at Durham County Hall earlier this week.
PCC Allen previously called for an overhaul of the current funding formula and increased support for areas with high demand and greater pockets of deprivation.
Currently, every one per cent increase in precept raises £490,000 for County Durham compared to £970,000 for North Yorkshire and £1.7m in Surrey.
Reacting to the figures, councillor David Boyes said the funding inconsistency highlights the challenges Durham Constabulary faces.
The Labour councillor said: “It’s shocking that we’re in this position. We need more funds.”
On approving the precept, he added: “It’s a no-brainer, we’ve got to accept this.”
Councillor Lucy Hovvels warned the current financial settlement is not sustainable for the force’s future.
“We’re in a difficult position,” the Labour member for Trimdon and Thornley said.
“It would be good if we didn’t put the precept up but we are in this position and we have no choice but to agree to the increase.”
Despite maintaining officer numbers, Durham Constabulary remains one of eleven forces with fewer police officers than in 2010.
Councillor Ken Robson said he understood the significant financial restraints but shared residents’ desire to see more “feet on the ground”.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
