Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach will unveil the final draft of his first Police and Crime Plan to the Police and Crime Panel when it meets next Friday (3 Feb).
The Plan, which sets the direction for policing in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, highlights his focus on crime prevention as the primary means by which the number of victims can be reduced and demand on services managed more effectively.
The Commissioner explained the rationale, saying: “If we can prevent crime taking place, prevent young people committing offences, and prevent offenders from re-offending, then we reduce the demand for services. It’s a win win position: we not only avoid the harm and pain that crime brings, but we can also make better use of our resources to deal more effectively with crime and disorder and the drivers leading to this behaviour.”
The Plan has evolved since the first draft was discussed with the Panel last December. It is now based on five key themes emphasising the areas the Commissioner feels are critical to meeting the needs and expectations of those who live, work or visit Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland. These five areas (the ‘Five Vs) cover the importance of viable partnerships, visible policing, victims’ services, protection of vulnerable people and the provision of value for money.
“I believe these are fundamental things that really matter to people;” said Willy Bach. “I look forward to discussing the details with the Panel when we meet.”
The Commissioner will also present the 2017/18 budget and precept proposal. The net budget for 2017/18 has been set at £171.639m which requires an increase in the amount of council tax paid towards policing in 2017/18 of 1.99% (£3.65 per annum) for a Band D (the average) property. If the Panel is supportive of the increase it will take the total amount paid for policing by a Band D property to an annual sum of £187.23.
The Police and Crime Panel meeting is open to the public and will take place at County Hall, Glenfield, starting at 1pm, on 3 February.
Ends
Editor Note:
The proposal to increase this year’s precept is in line with public opinion obtained during an extensive public consultation in 2016. As reported last year, the Commissioner received overwhelming support (nine out of 10 people in the telephone survey) for raising revenue in this way, which was viewed as an acceptable way of generating the income needed to secure future police services.
In November 2015 the Prime Minister (then Home Secretary) Theresa May clarified the Chancellor’s statement that ‘there will be no cuts in the police budget at all’ when she explained: ‘Total central Government resource funding to policing, including funding for counter terrorism, will be reduced by 1.3% in real terms over four years. Taking into account the scope that you have to raise local council tax, this means a flat real settlement for policing.’
Please be aware that no interviews or further information will be issued to the media ahead of the meeting on 3 February, however the full agenda and reports are available on the Police and Crime Panel’s website.
Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair - 01283 821012 / 07702 541401
Posted on Monday 30th January 2017