Issued on behalf of: AVON AND SOMERSET POLICE AND CRIME PANEL

In a meeting lasting over 3 hours, there was opportunity to robustly scrutinise the proposed budget and how the funds would be spent. The increase of £14 was approved by the Panel after a vote. The Panel will join the Commissioner in making the case to central Government for fairer funding for Avon and Somerset.

The Panel, made up of 14 councillors from the 5 local authorities in the force area and 3 lay members of the public, was required to consider if an annual increase of £14.00 for an average Band D property was fair and appropriate. The proposed  increase equates to approximately £1.16 per month.

Presenting her budget for 2025/26 at a meeting of the Panel on Tuesday 4 February 2025, Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody told the Panel the increase was essential to provide a quality service across the region and to protect improvements made in previous years. Also present at the meeting was

Chief Constable Sarah Crew. The Panel was pleased to hear about the dedicated programme to address knife crime and the increase in charge rates for rape and serious sexual assault.

Speaking after the meeting, the Chair of the Panel, Councillor Heather Shearer said: “The additional investment from the precept increase has to deliver real improvements in the service for all our communities. We recognise that it is vital for the Police force to be financially supported and that it is a very difficult time for many residents who are currently struggling with rising bills and the cost of living.

“During the meeting we made it clear that our approval is contingent on the delivery of the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, including strengthening Neighbourhood Policing.”

“This extra investment has to be used to make a tangible difference to positive outcomes and increasing public confidence, and we will continue to press for assurances around performance.”

“There is a sizeable funding gap again this year so achieving a better funding deal for policing from the government is integral to improving the service. The Panel will judge the success of the Commissioner’s plan on real outcomes and the information made available to us by her office.”

The Panel’s statutory report and detailed reasoning for its decision will be available on its website here on 15 February 2025. The Panel’s next meeting is 25 March 2025.