THE Tory-backed Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer has defended a 6.4 % rise in the police precept after coming under fire from Warrington Borough Council’s Labour deputy leader Cllr Cathy Mitchell.
Cllr Mitchell questioned the “eye-watering” 6.4%, rise in the police precept paid by all residents in Warrington which contribute towards policing costs across Cheshire.
She pointed out that crime in Cheshire has increased by 1.6% in the period between October 2021 and September 2022, while offences such as theft from the person and possession of an offensive weapon had increased by more than 40%.
The Police precept increase of 6.4% coincided with a 2.98% increase in Council Tax and 2% rise in Adult Social Care contributions in Warrington.
Cllr Mitchell says local authorities across England have been faced with increased costs and demands since austerity was introduced by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition in 2010.
Councils like Warrington have seen their overall funding from central government cut by more than £200 Million putting pressure on local services to make savings from already tight budgets.
Cllr Mitchell said: “We are forced to increase council tax because the Government does not provide adequate financial support. Cutting our budget by nearly £69 Million per year.
“Our only focus in Warrington is supporting the people of Warrington.
“This past year we have all felt the effect of higher prices and the council is not immune to this either.
“The majority of the council’s budget, 70%, protects our most vulnerable children and adults, it funds things like social workers and care staff.
“This year we have to make another £13.6 million in cuts, thankfully we have our investments that provide a profit to the council. If we didn’t have our investments, we would have to make another £23 million in cuts.
“When the Tories say they would get rid of our investments and promised to freeze council tax at the last election. They are saying they want to inflict even more cuts on our public services here in Warrington.
“I have asked the Tories time and again what services they would cut and they won’t give the people of Warrington a straight answer.
“The Tories have a history in making unfunded financial promises, look at the mess Liz Truss made of the economy.”
In response, Mr Dwyer said: “People expect their police service to be contactable, responsive, and proactive in tackling crime. Cheshire Constabulary has the most officers it has ever had. The police are answering the phone faster and getting to incidents faster for both emergencies and non-emergencies. More criminals are being arrested, and in Cheshire we have the highest charge rate for crime in the country.
“In my budget survey which received over 4,000 responses – more than any previous consultation – 76% of respondents to a question about the police precept supported some form of rise. I am delighted to have that public backing in order to set a police budget that continues to protect our communities, following improved levels of service over the past year.
“I want people to see value for money from the precept they pay and at 6.4% – below the rate of inflation – the police precept rise acknowledges the cost of living. It represents an extra £15 per year for a Band D property. Some Warrington Councillors from the ruling group attempted to veto this. For context, Warrington Borough Council has since added £80 per year to a Band D property’s bill for their own portion of Council Tax. I understand the pressures facing all public services and the difficult decisions which have had to be taken.
“I want to work constructively with all elected representatives, in good faith, to deliver the police service that the public of Cheshire expects. Residents can be reassured of my commitment to putting the safety of their communities and policing ahead of politics.”
