Hello Roy,
Unbelievable another tax rise, for the Police, when here in Whittlesey we have no police station, along with other towns, you only see the police in Whittlesey on Straw Bear Day, and Whittlesey Weekend, why should our council tax be used on services that we do not receive, they call that fraud.
Done this many times now…
1) Less than 20% of the eletorate voted during elections of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
2) PCC main job (we are constantly informed) to hold the Chief Constable to account and provide the resources for our police to operate.
Some 10 days ago, when I understand mayheim erupted due to certain elements of the community causing anti-social behaviour, theft and hare-coursing in Fenland – the Police were slow to react and when a hastily meeting was arranged and attended by all the big shots – did a message get through to the Cheif Constable – and for several days afterwards we’ve been updated with now 8 arrests being made…..surprised.
©PT – Cambridgeshire and Peterborough police and crime commissioner ‘left with little to no choice’ to increase tax by 5%
A police and crime panel unanimously supported the precept increase
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s police and crime commissioner has defended his proposal to increase the policing precept for 2025/26 and says he was “left with little to no choice”.
PCC Darryl Preston “reluctantly” proposed the increase for taxpayers last month, which would equate to an increase of 27p per week for Band D properties, around £14 per year more than 2024/25.
A survey which sought the views of members of the public saw 865 validated responses, with 17% holding a neutral stance on increasing the precept, while 67% were generally supportive of the increase and 16% were generally unsupportive.
The Cambridgeshire police and crime panel met in Peterborough on Wednesday, February 5 to discuss and review the proposed 4.9% increase in the policing precept which residents would pay as part of their council tax.
PCC Preston told the panel: “I’m here today coming to you with a proposal around increasing tax of our local residents. It’s not something any of us take lightly, it’s a very serious responsibility that I have, particularly in light of current economic conditions.
“It’s worthy of note that I’m not aware of any other police and crime commissioner who has not gone to their panel requesting the maximum amount.”
The crime commissioner emphasised the fact that Cambridgeshire Constabulary is the fourth lowest funded force in the country and argued it may even be lower due to an “outdated and unfair” funding formula.
He added: “Based upon the funding we have received from government, I’m left with little to no choice but to propose an increase in the precept to the maximum allowed.”
Councillor Susan Wallwork of Fenland District Council asked the crime commissioner if the precept increase is just a case of “filling the pot” and not using it to improve the service.
PCC Preston explained that the increase is a case of “paying to maintain” the service.
Being honest with the public, this isn’t bringing a significant amount of additionality,” he said.
The police and crime panel voted unanimously to support the increase in the precept, which is expected to generate £92.6 million and enable the force to balance its budget.
The net total policing grant from the government for Cambridgeshire for 2025/26 is provisionally around £115.8m. With the increased precept, this would leave the force with total funding of £208.5m.
RG Note :- It would be unfair for me to make critical comment(s) as I am Chairman of Whittlesey & District Neighbourhood Watch and we are here to support our community and police the best way we can…
That said – we do tend to get the same old story year after year be it from Mr Preston or his predesessors – and it only equating to X Pence a week doesn’t wash with most.
Why not make your thoughts know to Mr Preston. Click Here
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is a separate organisation to Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
For all general enquiries for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, please call their main switchboard on 101.
Please note, by law the Commissioner that cannot interfere in operational policing or demand the Chief Constable changes how they use their policing resources. The OPCC cannot provide updates on how a crime is being investigated. If your enquiry is about an operational policing matter, please contact the Constabulary directly.