Households set to pay more for policing from April

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams said his budget proposals would help deliver an excellent service in Staffordshire

Residents in Staffordshire are set to pay an average of £13 more a year for policing.

Ben Adams, the area's Conservative Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), is proposing a 4.99% increase to the policing council tax precept. His plan was approved at a meeting.

For Band D properties, that equates to a £13 increase – the maximum allowed – from £260.57 to £273.57 in 2024/25.

Residents in Band A properties will see their annual charge rise by £8.67, with Mr Adams stating his budget proposals would help deliver a "very excellent service".

The budget also includes revenue savings of £6.6m, with £83.5m of capital investment planned over the next five years.

Mr Adams told members of the police, fire and crime panel that setting a budget was challenging due to the continuing high inflation rate and tighter public finances.

“This year’s precept increase is at the limit of £13 which government has set, but I’m absolutely certain it will help us to deliver a very excellent service,” he said.

'Cuts to overtime'

The panel heard Staffordshire Police would look to make savings through measures such as getting better value for money on contracts and cuts to overtime, as well as through smarter working.

For example, the force will look to save £203,000 through investing in digital forensics, and aims to reduce the cost of its buildings, such as by investing in solar panels.

Mr Adams said: “The key is investments, which lead to productivity gains. This will allow us to offer a better service, without necessarily having to expand the officer and staff resource to the same degree as in the past."

He stressed they did want more officers and staff, but wanted "every one of them to be more productive.”

Panel chairman Bernard Peters asked Mr Adams what taxpayers could expect for their extra £13 a year, and whether police officers would be more visible.

The PFCC replied the force had recruited about 400 officers over the last four years, with the total number set to reach 2,000 by April.

The panel agreed to support the commissioner’s proposed budget and precept increase, which he is expected to sign off later this month.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.