Tax discount for Kent Police special constables

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes said special constables have to juggle their day jobs'

Police special constables are to be given a council tax discount, Ann Barnes, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has announced.

Special constables who have served for more than two years and meet qualifying criteria will benefit from April 2014.

The 350 volunteers who work for 16 hours per month will see the 10% police contribution paid by the PCC, a spokeswoman said.

Chief Constable Ian Learmonth said: "They deserve the recognition."

He said the special constables were an important part of the force.

"They deserve recognition and thanks for their work, and this rebate of the police precept from our PCC is a great way to do that."

Ann Barnes was elected as Kent's police and crime commissioner in November.

She said: "They give up an enormous amount of their own time often whilst juggling 'the day job' and play a significant part in frontline policing as volunteers."

Special constables have full police powers and work alongside officers and community support officers.

Ian Pointon from the Kent Police Federation, said; "The Special Constabulary is a valued part of Kent Police.

"I see this as some small recognition for the time that people give to protect all the communities in Kent."