People of North Wales urged to say how much they will pay for policing

27/11/23: The policing of communities in North Wales is a crucial matter for everyone, and from today until 7 January, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin is asking the people of the region to say how much money they are prepared to pay for the work the police do to keep our neighbourhoods safe.

Around half the money for the police budget in North Wales comes from the UK Government and the rest comes from Council Tax. The amount people pay in their Council Tax depends on the precept levied by Police and Crime Commissioners.

People will be able to give their view in the form of an online or paper questionnaire. There are questions on the options for the amount spent on policing, as well as what priorities people want to see North Wales Police concentrate on. Residents can also say how they rate policing in their own community more generally.

Following the closing of the survey, the results will be studied and Andy Dunbobbin will make a proposal on the level of precept to the Police and Crime Panel at a meeting on 29 January 2024. The amount paid by people will then change in April, at the start of the coming financial year 2024/25.

Since 2010, as part of its commitment to offer the best possible value to the people of North Wales, North Wales Police has already made savings totalling £42.799m. But it is likely a Council Tax increase of £21.78 in the precept is needed to create a standstill budget for the coming year, with no cuts.

However, Andy Dunbobbin is conscious of current pressures on household budgets and is keen to know what level of council tax increase residents would support through his consultation.

The Commissioner commented: “As a husband and father, and as someone who still lives in the heart of the community I grew up in, I know that people’s safety and security are paramount. But I also know how much pressure families and people are under generally today. We all depend on – and should help – each other, wherever and whenever we can. But the safety and security of our neighbourhoods depend on an effective and well-funded Police Service. 

“Wherever I travel in North Wales, from Anglesey, to Wrexham, Llanrwst, Pwllheli and Barmouth, I know how much people value the work of North Wales Police and its officers and staff. But this valuable work comes at a cost, and it is my duty on the behalf of residents, to work out what this cost should be. That is why I need local residents to help inform my decision. I would urge the people of North Wales to join in my consultation and tell me what they are willing, and able, to pay to fund policing in our community.”

As well as funding the Police Service, the money raised via Council Tax also enables the PCC to fund services across North Wales. These Commissioned Services do valuable work within the community to support victims of crime and support offenders to reduce re-offending. Examples of these services such as DASU, RASASC, and Gorwel that provide support to victims of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, and Checkpoint Cymru, which aims to tackle underlying causes of offending behaviour such as mental health and substance misuse and to provide a credible alternative to prosecution.

The Commissioner has four main duties. They are to set the priorities for policing in North Wales through the Police and Crime Plan; to decide the budget for North Wales Police, which involves setting the recommended precept level for the approval of the Police and Crime Panel; to listen and respond to the public’s views on policing; and to hold the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the Force.

The PCC’s consultation and survey are fully bilingual in Welsh and English (as well as Easy Read), and print copies are available at libraries and police stations across North Wales. Residents can also email or write to request a copy to be sent to them. Representatives of the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will also be at locations across North Wales throughout the survey period engaging with people in person to complete the survey.

The consultation launches on 27 November 2023 and closes on the 7 January 2024.

Residents can also visit www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk during the consultation period and fill in the short survey to make their voice heard. To receive a paper copy by post, contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in the following ways: 

Email: OPCC@northwales.police.uk 

Phone: 01492 805486

Post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters. Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW