Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold has launched a consultation on the level of council tax precept for policing and fire and rescue services in the county next year.
This year, the settlement from the government is based on the expectation that the Commissioner will ask for an increase in the local council tax precept of £15 or 5.3% a year for policing and £5 a year or 7.3% for fire and rescue for band D properties – both significantly below the rate of inflation.
Stephen said that police and fire services would continue to be squeezed by the impact of rising prices, and even with an increase at this level, both services will need to look for savings.
Stephen said: “Over the past few years, we have invested in more police and firefighters and improved services – and that comes at a cost.
“Maintaining the gains we have made may just be sustainable with this level of increase. While we may still have to make savings, the extent depends on the support taxpayers are prepared to give.
“I understand the pressures that every household is facing and I genuinely want to know what people are prepared to pay for their emergency services.”
The consultation runs until 4.30pm on January 17, 2023, and can be found at https://www.research.net/r/OPFCC2023counciltaxconsultation
Message Sent By
Kelly Noble
(Police, Social Media Engagement Officer – Corporate Communication , Northamptonshire Police)