Policing Precept 2023-24 Response from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

County Councillor Richard Cox
Vice-Chairman Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel
Sent via email - C/O Mandy Pattinson

08 February 2022

Dear Chairman

REF: Draft Policing Service Budget and Precept 2023/24

Thank you for your response to my proposed budget and policing precept increase for 2023/24, following the Police and Crime Panel meeting held on 6th February 2023.

I note the comments that you have made following scrutiny of the budget proposal and that your support for the budget and precept increase without any recommendations. I will be happy to share with the Panel a piece of work exploring the links between crime levels and public perception. I also agreed to prepare a briefing note containing a summary of investments made following last year's precept increase in order to demonstrate past delivery.

It is welcomed that you have noted, and support the rationale for the increase in Precept and noted the investment in an additional 60 Officers increasing the total number to 2000 during 2023/24. The proposed precept increase is £3 below the referendum limit and lower that the increase proposed in many other areas.

I am confident that the Chief Constable and his plans to further improve Staffordshire Police will be welcomed by residents, as well as making a difference to our communities. I will continue to work with my Office and the Chief Constable to regularly monitor performance and report progress to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel meetings. As discussed members of the Panel are welcome to join the Public Performance meetings scheduled for next year where I will hold the Chief Constable to account.

I believe the £12 increase for 2023/24 will assist Staffordshire Police to better address the threats and risks and potential harm that are faced in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent during the budget year 2023/24 and beyond.

Yours sincerely

Ben Adams
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Crime