Bristol police commissioner calls for council tax increase to fund local policing 

The Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is calling for the public to support his proposal to increase the policing part of the council tax.  

Mark Shelford has launched a public survey asking residents in the Bristol region for their views on his proposal to increase the police precept by £10 a year for the average household.        

And he says 250 staff roles will still likely be cut across the next few years despite the increase.  

Mr Shelford said: “I know that times are tough for a lot of households and an increase in bills next year is a big ask from local residents. Rising costs of living are continuing to impact on us all, including affecting the cost of running the police service.  

“Even if Avon and Somerset Police receive an extra £10 from households next year, there will still be a need to increase savings across the force. The size of the savings needed will likely result in about 250 staff roles being cut across the next few years. These cuts will have an impact on front line services such as visible policing and the ability to investigate crime.  

“In order to deliver on the priorities and the issues that are important to people in the region, I need to ask for this additional funding.” 

Local policing is funded by a combination of people’s council tax, Home Office funding and other grants. The police precept makes up 41 per cent of police funding.   

The PCC is responsible for setting the amount of money residents contribute to local policing through the precept. The Government determines the maximum amount by which PCCs can increase the precept each year. 

The Government has not yet confirmed the maximum amount PCCs can increase the precept for next year, however it will be at least £10 a year for a band D household (3.8 per cent of a council tax bill).    

The PCC’s survey, which will run until January 22 2024, can be accessed here: www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/precept