Survey on an increase in council tax to help protect operational policing is launched
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, has launched a survey seeking the public view on an increase in the police element of the council tax by £2 a month*
On Thursday 13th December the Home Secretary announced the provisional police funding settlement for 2019/20. In response to the exceptional operational demands on the police, particularly in areas such as Thames Valley, the Government is increasing the funding available to PCCs by up to £813 million. However, this is provided all PCCs increase the police portion of the council tax by £2 a month or £24 a year (equivalent for a Band D property), which, collectively, will raise £509 million of the £813 million increase in funding.
Anthony Stansfeld said: “The Thames Valley Police budget has been cut by £101 million over the last eight years which has resulted in significant cuts to police officer and staff numbers. This year the Government has encouraged all PCCs to raise the policing element of the council tax precept for all households. To prevent further damaging cuts to policing and restore some important frontline policing capability I would like to make use of this Government advice and raise the council tax precept accordingly.
“Demand on police forces nationally has risen significantly in the last year as a result of an increase in non-crime business, higher crime numbers, the increasing complexity of crime, and the increasing reach of criminals both physically and via technology. Throughout this Thames Valley Police has been efficient and effective but having already faced significant cuts since 2010/11 the process of identifying new cash savings is becoming ever more challenging. However, we are committed to making policing even more efficient and have already identified over £4m of new savings in 2019/20.”
“My focus for the future continues to be on delivering strong neighbourhood policing for all of the communities across the Thames Valley whilst addressing the serious threats and hardship posed by criminals. With this in mind the extra cash generated from the proposed increase in council tax will be spent on operational policing. The draft budget for 2019/20 includes additional funding to increase local frontline policing, recruit more investigators and improve contact management with the aim to reduce call waiting times on 101 calls.”
The survey and more information, including the proposed amounts from each council tax band can be found by visiting: https://bit.ly/2QEkGkk
Closing Date: Wednesday 9th January at 5pm
*this is the equivalent for a Band D property. The increase for other property Bands is set out in the table available with the survey on the above link.
Volunteers in Hailey have borrowed speedwatch equipment from Thames Valley Police to monitor the speed of cars passing through the village.
Attached is an article published in the Oxford Mail with comments from Cllr Andy Smith.
The consultation on the new Village Hall is now closed.
To see the comments please click below or go to Notices.
Gates open from 5 pm
Bonfire and fireworks start at 7 pm
If you have pets/ animals please take the necessary steps to ensure their welfare
As customary its a free display but the Rugby Club does ask for a donation on exit so they can cover their costs to hold it again next year.
SGN have postponed the works through Hailey until further notice.
Please see Notices for further information.
Thames Valley Police Open Day will be taking place on Saturday 18 August, celebrating 50 years since the formation of the force.
The event will be taking place at TVP’s Training Centre in Sulhamstead, Berkshire (post code RG7 4DX).
From 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.30pm), stalls will be promoting the very best of what TVP has to offer and showcasing the work that the force has carried out for the past 50 years.
Some of the highlights include:
This year there will be two entrances for visitors at South Drive and White Lodge.
Due to this, it is important that you follow the signs to the event. The roads will be busy and narrow country lanes can make it difficult to turn around if you go the wrong way.
Car parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Assistance dogs are permitted, other visitors with dogs will be turned away and dogs must not be left in vehicles.
On entry to the event bag searches will be taking place.
This is a free event.
Work is scheduled to start on the Agritech Building on the Common Leys Campus on Monday 2nd July for approximately 20 weeks.
If you have any concerns, the site manager, Gavin Carter will be available on Tuesday 10th July from 10.30am-11.30am to explain their scope of works and to ensure the project is carried out causing minimal disruption.
The site office is located off Whitings Lane at the rear entrance to the College campus.
Please see attached letter for more details.
