Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, is seeking resident’s views on the Thames Valley Police budget for 2024/25
Matthew Barber is asking residents to share views on which areas they would like the policing element of council tax to be focused in the 2024/25 budget by completing his Local Crime Survey.
The Police and Crime Commissioner is due to set the 2024/25 policing budget by the end of January 2024. The allocation of central government funding for forces is expected to be received in December.
Alongside this, the current funding settlement allows Police and Crime Commissioners to increase council tax by up to £10 (for a Band D property) in order to make additional investments in policing (and last year increases of up to £15 were permitted).
Matthew Barber said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to ensure that Thames Valley Police has the resources to effectively prevent and investigate crime, support victims and protect communities from harm.
“Setting the budget is often a complex process in balancing priorities, and one which is again this year taking place against a challenging economic backdrop.
“Economic pressures such as high utility, fuel, and vehicle costs continue to impact policing budgets and I am acutely aware that cost of living pressures are affecting households across the Thames Valley.
“Thames Valley residents deserve and expect to receive an exceptional service from their police force. I want to ensure that the budget can support this, deliver value for money for residents and address the concerns and priorities of communities.
“This coming financial year, I want to see continued investment in local neighbourhood policing. There have already been significant improvements made, but I am determined to increase visible policing within our communities and to tackle issues such as shoplifting and keep burglaries low.
“By providing your feedback, you can help shape important decisions about police funding and how Thames Valley Police can continue to work to keep us all safe.”
For the last financial year the increase in council tax of £1.25 each month, which was below inflation, has helped to deliver the following
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Strengthened local community policing to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour
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Development of a Thames Valley-wide CCTV Partnership
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Embedding crime prevention with a focus on hotspot patrols and tackling known offenders
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Support to recruit additional Special Constables and other police volunteers
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Recruited and additional 80 police officers
Alongside the ongoing local crime survey, residents of Thames Valley are able to attend regular public meetings where the policing budget is discussed and reviewed. Further details on these meetings (including meeting notes) can be found on the PCC website.
The survey can be completed at https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90503915/OPCC-public-consultation or by visiting the PCC website. If you would like to share your views on the policing budget for 2024/25, please complete the survey by 12pm on Friday 5th January 2024.
