PCC to visit Great Yarmouth and Fakenham as policing budget consultation hits halfway point

As his consultation on the budget for policing Norfolk during 2019/20 reaches its halfway point, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will be undertaking a series of visits to gather public views.

PCC Lorne Green launched the four-week consultation on 2 January inviting Norfolk residents to share their views on how much they would be willing to contribute through council tax to help fund their policing service.

“I want to hear from the people of Norfolk. Do you support keeping the policing part of the council tax at last year’s level, or do you support a rise? And, if so, how much would you be prepared to pay?” said Lorne.

“I have spent a great deal of time over the past year listening to Norfolk communities. The message I consistently hear is that they not only want to be safe, they want to feel safe. Our constabulary has a responsibility to offer that assurance in our homes, on our streets and in our communities. However, I recognise the financial situation for policing continues to be extremely challenging.

“The Chief Constable has told me that a precept freeze would, inevitably, lead to police officer and staff reductions. He has also said that, were I to raise the council tax by the maximum amount of 46 pence a week, this would allow significant investment in the force, including the addition of 40 extra officers.

“To help inform my budget decision, I would like to know your views. Some 56% of Norfolk’s policing budget is funded by central government, meaning your council tax makes up the rest – so I want all Norfolk residents to have the opportunity to have their say.”

As well as launching an online survey, the PCC has already spent time in the market places of Norwich and Downham Market, raising awareness of the consultation and finding out what people think. The PCC also invited those attending his public question and answer session with Norfolk’s Chief Constable at The Forum on 9 January to have their say.

This week, the PCC will be in Great Yarmouth town centre on Wednesday afternoon (16 January) and Fakenham on Thursday morning (17 January), with visits to more locations to follow before the consultation closes on 30 January.