Big precept rise needed to recruit more police

The Government announced in its spending assessment that this region’s force would have a budget of £295.4 million for 2021/22 — subject to the precept going up by the full amount.

Police commissioners must carry out consultation to decide the level of increase residents will pay through council tax.

Dr Billings said: “The Government has committed, during the lifetime of this parliament, to restore the police numbers that were cut between 2010 and 2019, and we have started to do that.

“But next year, the government grant will not be enough to allow us to recruit further officers, and pay for the existing service, without an increase in the precept.

“I recognise that there will be many families who will be in a difficult place financially next year, not least because of the impact of the coronavirus on jobs. But I also know that if we are to get on top of crime we need the additional officers.

“I believe, therefore, that I will have to set a precept close to what the government is allowing. Even so, in order to balance the books, I will have to ask the force to make substantial savings.

“But this precept would enable me to increase officer numbers, fight crime, support victims and keep the people of South Yorkshire safe.”

The commissioner’s online survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VVL6BP8 until 5pm on Friday, January 15, 2021.

The potential national increase in police funding would be £15.8 billion — more than £630 million more than this year.

Home secretary Priti Patel said: “Officers have been out across Yorkshire, working hard all year to keep their communities safe. I am grateful for their continued efforts.

“This funding package for policing will allow them to continue to build on their good work and deliver on more officers, less crime and ultimately, safer streets.”