PCC to present 2021/22 policing budget proposal to Panel
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Lorne Green, will take his proposals for the 2021/22 policing budget to the county’s Police and Crime Panel next week.
The PCC will present his proposals to Panel members at a virtual public meeting at 10am on Tuesday 2 February 2021.
The Panel, which is made up of councillors and independent members, will scrutinise the proposed budget plans, including the PCC’s decision on how much Norfolk’s taxpayers will contribute to funding their policing service through council tax.
“Setting the policing budget for their force area is one of the most important – and difficult - decisions for which Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible,” said PCC Lorne Green.
“It is a decision made all the more difficult given the unprecedented times we find ourselves living in, when any further changes to household budgets can seem difficult for people to consider.
“I want to be able to reassure every man, woman and child in Norfolk that whatever my decision, they will continue to receive an excellent police service.
“We must not lose the gains that have been made to policing in our county over the past four years.”
The PCC is required by law to set the budget for the Constabulary and, as part of this, determine how much the people of Norfolk contribute to the policing element of the Council Tax they pay to keep the county safe.
A four-week public consultation, which ran during December and January, saw the PCC launch an online survey to seek public views. All engagement was carried out virtually given the current national restrictions in place due to the pandemic.
During his consultation Lorne stressed the importance of protecting the gains made in keeping our county safe since 2016 and ensuring the police have the resources necessary to provide strong community policing, fight fraud, and tackle the scourge of domestic abuse.
In the consultation Lorne sought the community’s understanding for a policing precept rise of 5.68%, as allowed by the Chancellor in his spending review statement to Parliament. This represents the equivalent of 29p a week for a Band D property or 22p a week for a Band B property - the majority of properties in the county are in Bands A to D.
“As PCC, I have made a commitment to give Norfolk residents the opportunity to help shape policing where they live and influence the key decisions that affect them,” added Lorne.
“I am very grateful to all those who took part in my recent budget consultation – whether through the online survey, by getting in touch with my office, or by sharing their views with me directly or at our virtual question and answer session with the Chief Constable.
“The decision I take to Panel on Tuesday will take into account what Norfolk residents have said, along with what our Chief Constable says is needed in order to deliver an efficient and effective policing service.”
The Norfolk Police and Crime Panel meets at 10am, Tuesday 2 February 2021. The agenda and reports alongside details on how to view the live meeting are available here.