Police consultation over bid to increase precept by 3.6%

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne this week launched a consultation on proposals to raise the precept in 2014/15.

She said that the hike is needed to help Sussex Police tackle ‘emerging crime threats’.

Ms Bourne said: “I have a statutory obligation to set the police budget and I have fulfilled my election pledge to freeze the precept in my first year of office.

“As a result, residents have paid the same amount for policing in Sussex for the last four years.

“However, in order to enable investment and ensure Sussex Police is sufficiently resourced to meet future challenges, I am consulting on a 3.6 per cent increase which would add £4.95 per year per household for a Band D property.

“As a voice for local people on policing and crime it’s very important that I know if Sussex residents are willing to pay a little extra towards policing in the county.

“Despite the enormous challenge set, Sussex Police is on track to achieve the savings required by 2015.

“However, in order to meet emerging crime threats I need to consider the case to secure additional funding next year.”

Residents are being asked to fill out an online survey to give their views on the proposals - logon to http://www.sussexpolicesurveys.com/ospccbudget/

Hard copies of the survey are also available - call 01273 481561 or email [email protected].

The survey will close for comments on Friday January 10.

Ms Bourne said: “I am duty bound to inform the Police and Crime Panel of my considerations and the consultation will help inform a decision in January 2014, which will be reviewed by the Panel.

“Thank you for taking the time to tell me what you think.”