NORTHUMBRIA residents have backed plans to pay slightly more towards their council tax to support local policing – but will continue to pay the lowest precept in England and Wales.

Proposals made by Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner at the Police and Crime Panel in Gateshead today (Friday 6, February), had the support of the majority of local residents, following a public consultation.

Panel members agreed to proposals which mean a small increase of 24p per week for Band A council tax payers. Band A properties make up the largest share of properties in the Northumbria force area.

Each year, the Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for setting the amount of money households contribute to local police services through their council tax bill – this is known as the police ‘precept’. The PCC sets the amount taking into consideration the views of the Chief Constable along with the findings of a public consultation where residents are asked how much they are prepared to pay to support policing in the local area.

This year’s survey showed significant public support for paying a little extra with 59% of respondents saying they would be happy to pay a small rise.  Of those in favour of paying a bit more, the majority (66%) were supportive of an increase of either 28p or 37p.

Of those who shared support for the increase, many cited it would be good value for money if it helps improve visibility and ensures the police are adequately resourced. Common reasons of those reluctant to pay more were affordability and the belief that funding the police should not be the responsibility of the taxpayer.

Addressing the Panel, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “Although the role of PCC is changing in 2028, right now I have a job to do — and that is to make sure Northumbria Police is properly resourced and in the best possible position to deliver for our communities, keeping people safe and offering value for money.

“Police budgets are still reliant on part of their funding being raised through local taxes – and I can’t change that. But people’s views matter, and while I recognise our police force is facing financial pressures, so too are many households in our area. And so, when budgets are tight, there are difficult choices to be made – raising a precept being one – and so I am pleased our survey found the majority back proposals for a small increase.

“We have made real progress over the last year— from faster response times to reductions in ASB across all area commands. This demonstrates the impact of sustained investment in local policing.

“Through the Police Reform White Paper published last week, we know Government has made a real commitment to neighbourhood policing, backed by a funding boost at national level. We can’t be complacent though, ongoing inflation, rising costs and funding changes mean Northumbria Police still faces significant financial pressures.”

She added: “The precept rise agreed today is in line with Government expectations and will bring in an extra in 7.958m for Northumbria Police to help tackle ASB, invest in new technologies and proactively safeguard women and girls.

“I want us to be doing all we can to keep delivering on the priorities outlined in my plan for safer streets and stronger communities. We are fully on track with recruitment as part of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, and the additional funding we are now able to raise through the precept will allow us to remain resilient and invest in improvements that matter most to the people of Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear.”

ENDS