Suffolk Police plans £5.2m savings despite planned council tax rise

Tim Passmore said savings plans were a "worst-case scenario"

A police force is planning £5.2m in savings over the next four years.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said the plans were a "worst-case scenario" and that, while it was too early to say where the axe may fall, he hoped to avoid job losses.

Mr Passmore, a Conservative, said cuts were necessary due to a "lousy" government funding settlement.

The Home Office said that in 2024/25 Suffolk Police would receive £10.8m more than during the current year.

Despite the proposed savings, the policing element of council tax in the county is set to rise by 4.9%, the maximum allowed.

Under current proposals, it will increase by £12.96 increase next year for band D properties.

'Fairer settlement'

Mr Passmore said that without the increase, the force would be unable to balance its budget, but that savings plans were just "a prediction".

"We are assuming for other years in the medium term financial plan, there will be no increase in the Home Office funding - it's worst- case scenario," said Mr Passmore.

He said government funding was "lousy" and that savings would not be needed if the force received a "fairer settlement".

"It's absolutely crucial we have a good police force and maintain the good performance, and therefore we must have sufficient financial resources to do that," he added.

"We've got to remember 80% of the cost of running Suffolk Constabulary is down to police officer and staff pay. I'm going to do everything possible to make sure that we maintain staff numbers."

Mr Passmore has invited Suffolk residents to comment on the plans by completing an online survey, open until 9:00 GMT on 25 January.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are giving the police the resources they need to tackle crime, and through our police recruitment campaign we have more police officers in England and Wales than ever before.

"Suffolk Police's funding will be up to £171.1m in 2024/25, an increase of up to £10.8m when compared to 2023/24."