Derbyshire Police: Council tax share to rise by 'maximum possible'

Derbyshire Police say the increases are still not enough to plug the gap for a balanced budget

Derbyshire Police's share of council tax is set to rise by the maximum possible to stave off "difficult decisions".

The decision was made to also tackle a "budget black hole" of £5.4m.

The portion of a resident's overall council tax bill is set to rise by £10.08 a year for a Band B property to £217.47.

The council tax bill for a Band D property is set to rise by £13 to £279.60 - a hike of 4.88%.

The increase will form about 10% of a resident's total council tax bill, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

The lion's share will go to either Derbyshire County Council or Derby City Council, depending on where residents live, followed by a district or borough council (outside Derby), parish councils (outside Derby) and the fire service.

The force confirmed it is set to gain 27 new police officers over the next year.

Papers from the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) speak of more vehicles equipped with automatic number plate recognition systems, custody suite expansion and investment in expanding in domestic abuse prevention.

The papers detail that without a maximum precept increase, the force would have to use more than £1m from its reserves to reach a balanced budget.

Derbshire Police Chief Constable Rachel Swann said: "I fully recognise that the communities of Derbyshire are already feeling the incredible financial impact of the cost-of-living crisis, but my primary consideration must be how I can best deliver policing within the county.

"I do not expect the people of Derbyshire to solely fund the improvements required. The force will continue, as it has over the past few years, to generate efficiencies to contribute towards funding the changes needed.

"However, many of the increases in costs are from issues outside of the force's control and are beyond the level of Home Office grant given to Derbyshire Constabulary.

"It therefore falls to force efficiencies and the precept to both bridge this gap, and fund the improvements needed."