Norfolk PCC responds to police funding announcement

As Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Lorne Green, gears up to set the policing budget for 2018/19, there has today been some welcome news from central government.

Commenting on the Policing Minister’s provisional police settlement announcement, PCC Lorne Green said: “I welcome today’s funding announcement which appears to be good news for policing.

“I have lobbied hard for central government to look again at police funding and allow PCCs more flexibility to respond to funding challenges and local policing needs. I have been communicating directly with the Prime Minster, Home Secretary and Policing Minister over several months.

“The Policing Minister himself acknowledged in his announcement that the persistent calls from Norfolk and other policing areas have indeed been listened to.

“In preparation for setting the 2018/19 policing budget for Norfolk I have, in turn, been listening to the views of our Chief Constable on what he needs in order to deliver an efficient and effective service, and to the views of our county’s residents on what they are prepared to contribute through their council tax to help fund that service.

“What I have been asking is whether Norfolk taxpayers want a policing council tax freeze at last year’s level or whether they are prepared to pay more to support their policing service. And, if they would be willing to pay more, how much more would they be prepared to pay? – a question which is even more relevant in light of today’s announcement.”

“Full details of what the consultation options would mean for our policing service can be found on the Norfolk PCC website – along with a survey to make your views known. Please take the time to have your say. The consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 22 December.”

To take part in the PCC’s budget and council tax consultation, you can take the online survey, email the PCC at TellLorne@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or telephone the Norfolk PCC office on 01953 424455.

PCC Lorne Green will also be gathering views in the Vancouver Centre in King’s Lynn from 12.30pm on Thursday 21 December.