People across Northamptonshire are being asked how much they are willing to contribute towards local policing and fire and rescue services next year through the police and fire precepts – the parts of council tax that help fund local services.
The council tax precepts for both police and fire are set by Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and together they make up just 18% of a household’s council tax bill.
For policing, Danielle is proposing a precept increase of £15 a year, or 29p a week, for a Band D household. This would help maintain current police officer numbers, support strengthened neighbourhood policing and enable the Force to continue improving how it responds to and investigates crime.
For fire and rescue services, Danielle is proposing the maximum expected increase of £5 a year, or around 10p a week, for a Band D property. The increase would help Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service balance its budget, although significant savings would still need to be made and could impact frontline services.
Danielle said the contribution residents make towards local services has never been more important. She highlighted that central government funding for Northamptonshire Police has not kept pace with the county’s population growth, with government grants still based on 2012 population figures despite Northamptonshire’s population increasing by 17% since then.
She also warned that Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, which is the third lowest-funded fire service in the country, is facing significant financial pressures due to population growth and increasing demand from emerging risks such as wildfires and flooding.
Danielle Stone, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“I understand that every household is under pressure, but both policing and fire and rescue services in Northamptonshire are facing growing demand and significant financial challenges.
“For policing, an increase in the precept is the only way to protect frontline services and maintain officer numbers, while for fire and rescue services, additional funding is needed to help meet rising costs and the increasing risks facing our county.
“I have asked the Government to review the funding Northamptonshire receives, but this year I have no choice but to ask council taxpayers for more and I am now seeking their views through this consultation. The contribution local people make through their council tax helps protect frontline services and ensure they can continue meeting the needs of our communities.”
The consultation runs until 9am on Tuesday 12 January and residents, staff and volunteers are encouraged to take part and share the survey with their communities.
The Commissioner’s final precept proposals will be considered by the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel at a meeting in February.
Please take a few moments to complete the consultation and help shape the future funding of policing and fire and rescue services in Northamptonshire: https://www.research.net/r/XRKB3FX
