29 January 2025 PCC asks for views on precept proposal Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has launched his annual survey to gauge public views on his draft proposal for the policing element for the council tax precept for the next financial year. The Policing Minister has given all Police and Crime Commissioners the ability to raise the policing element of the precept by £14 per annum (based on a Band D property) for 2025/26. Suffolk’s PCC is proposing to use this maximum increase and is asking Suffolk taxpayers their thoughts. This 5.1% increase means you pay an extra 26.8p per week if you live in a Band D property – or 20.9p extra a week if you live in a Band B property. COUNCIL TAX PRECEPT SURVEY The survey closes at 9am on Thursday 30th January 2025. Tim Passmore said, “As your Police and Crime Commissioner, setting the budget is one of my most important responsibilities. I must ensure that the Constabulary has the resources needed to provide an efficient and effective service, whilst ensuring that I use Suffolk taxpayers’ money for the maximum benefit. “I have gone through the proposed budget in great detail with the Chief Constable and our respective Chief Finance Officers. I can assure you we continue to make savings and all the efficiencies we can, but the settlement we have received will not allow us to keep pace with the increased pressure on the force, so I feel I have no option but to propose an increase in the amount we all pay for policing through our council tax. “In short, the government settlement for next year is nowhere near enough to maintain policing services. Without the proposed increase, there is a significant risk of a reduction in service and, without some level of investment the Constabulary will simply not keep up with the increased demands placed upon it. The level of service will decline accordingly. “I hope everyone will take the opportunity to consider my proposal and let me know their thoughts via the survey. As PCC I represent the people of Suffolk so it is important I hear their views.” Chief Constable, Rachel Kearton said, “At a time when demands on policing are growing ever more rapidly it is essential that the Constabulary is properly resourced and equipped to deliver a high-quality service and ensure Suffolk continues to be a safe place in which to live, work, travel and invest. “As the population of Suffolk grows, develops and diversifies this proposed additional funding will go a long way in enabling us to ensure the Constabulary continues to provide a good policing service to all Suffolk’s communities.” The PCC will present his final proposal to the Police and Crime Panel on Friday 31st January 2025 for approval. The papers for this meeting will be published five clear working days before on Suffolk County Council’s website, www.suffolk.gov.uk. Anyone not able to take part in the electronic survey can write to the PCC at The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Suffolk Police HQ, Portal Avenue, Martlesham Heath IP5 3QS. Please answer the question: Do you agree with my proposal to increase the policing element of the council tax for 2025/26 by 27p a week (based on a Band D property)? with a clear YES or NO and include any comment you wish to make. The written response needs to be in the office by 5pm on Wednesday 29th January 2025. This is what the increase would mean to households across all of the Council Tax Rate Bands in 2025-26.