easthampshire.org

Thursday 16th February 2012

Hampshire Police Authority has agreed to freeze its part of the Council Tax for the coming financial year.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Alex Marshall, said he was disappointed by the decision. 

The budget has been set at £305.6 million which is a reduction of £8.5 million from last year’s budget. 

As part of this budget Hampshire Police Authority agreed to freeze the policing element of Council Tax, meaning this part of the Council Tax bill for a Band D household will remain £146.25 for the year.

In opting to freeze the policing element for Council Tax the Authority will receive a Government grant of £3 million, equivalent to a 3 per cent increase in its share of Council Tax for 2012/13.  The Police Authority is confident that Hampshire Constabulary will continue to deliver the savings needed throughout the Comprehensive Spending Review period and deliver the same level and quality of service as previous years.

Commenting on the budget, Police Authority Chair Councillor Jacqui Rayment, said: “These are very challenging times for us all. Hampshire Constabulary’s budget has been reduced by £8.5 million.  

“The Government general grant paid to Hampshire Police Authority is being reduced by 20 per cent in real terms over the four year Comprehensive Spending Review period. We are entering the second year of this and the reduction of Government grant for 2012/13 is 6.7 per cent equating to £14 million, however, inflation and other budget pressures mean that £20 million of savings need to be found to balance the budget.  

“Members debated, for three hours, the implications of increasing or freezing the policing element of Council Tax this year. Freezing the policing element of Council Tax will help those struggling financially.   

“The budget approved by the Authority today sets out our approach to reducing our costs and supports Hampshire Constabulary’s plans to adapt and improve the way the force operates in order to continue to provide an efficient and effective service to the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”  

This is the last Hampshire Constabulary budget that will be set by Hampshire Police Authority, which will be replaced by an elected Police and Crime Commissioner in November this year.  

Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “I am disappointed by this outcome but respect that this was a matter for the Police Authority to decide upon.   

“These are tough times for everyone and difficult funding decisions for the police have to be made as with all public services.  

“We face many challenges over the coming years but having taken an early lead to plan ahead I am confident my organisation is in a strong position to do so.  

“Last year we made £16 million worth of savings; we plan to save a further £20 million next year and are now working towards saving in excess of £50 million by 2015.  

“My priority is to protect our local visible policing teams, to providing an excellent service, to reducing crime and making the most of our resources.”