Cost For Policing Could Rise

Willy Bach

People are being asked if they would be willing to pay more for Policing across Harborough.

The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner says he has little option but to consider increasing the amount he charges in Council Tax from April.

A rise last year helped recruit 107 extra officers, but Willy Bach says more are desperately needed.

Despite a promised uplift of 20,000 police officers nationally over the next three years, it is still unclear how many will be allocated to Leicestershire and how the recruitment will be funded.

“I will not compromise your safety whilst we wait,” said Willy Bach. “We need to ensure that we have funds in the future to sustain these numbers otherwise we will simply lose other resources to balance the budget.

“The increases in police numbers that I have been able to make over the past few years have had an impact on crime locally, but the national picture is still a worrying one and the threats are very challenging.

“Reductions in funding have been accompanied by a national increase in recorded crime.  There are unavoidable costs which have to be met and which reduce the overall level of resources I have at my disposal.  I’m keen to invest in our police and want to ensure the force has the resources it needs to provide the type of police service you expect and deserve.”

The Commissioner has launched an on-line survey to get residents’ views before making a final decision.

Have your say HERE