Category: Council tax

Two Surrey Police special constables in body armour walking towards a shed in a garden as part of a burglary investigation

Commissioner vows police teams will have the “tools to take the fight to criminals in our communities” after council tax increase goes ahead

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

THE Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said Surrey Police teams will be given the tools to tackle those crimes important to our communities over the coming year after it was confirmed her proposed council tax rise will go ahead earlier today.

The Commissioner’s suggested 4.2% increase for the policing element of the council tax, known as the precept, was discussed this morning at a meeting of the county’s Police and Crime Panel at Woodhatch Place in Reigate.

The 14 Panel members present voted on the Commissioner’s proposal with seven votes for and seven votes against. The Chair cast a deciding vote against. However, there were insufficient votes to veto the proposal and the Panel accepted the Commissioner’s precept will come into effect.

Lisa said it means the new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer’s plan for policing in Surrey will be fully supported, allowing officers to focus on what they do best – fighting crime and protecting people.

Council tax vote

The Chief Constable has pledged to maintain a visible presence that tackles pockets of lawlessness in the county, relentlessly pursue the most prolific offenders in our communities and crack down on anti-social behaviour (ASB) hot-spots.

In his blueprint – which he outlined to residents during a recent series of community events across Surrey – the Chief Constable said his officers will drive out drug dealers and target shoplifting gangs as part of major crime fighting operations carried out by the Force.

He also wants to substantially increase the number of crimes detected and offenders put before the courts with 2,000 more charges made by March 2026. In addition, he has vowed to ensure that calls for help from the public are answered more quickly.

The overall budget plans for Surrey Police – including the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government – were outlined to the Panel today.

Policing plan

As part of the Panel’s response to the Commissioner’s proposal, members expressed disappointment at the government settlement and the “unfair funding formula which places a disproportionate burden on Surrey residents to fund the Force”.

The Commissioner wrote to the Policing Minister on this issue in December and has vowed to continue to lobby government for fairer funding in Surrey.

The policing element of an average Band D Council Tax bill will now be set at £323.57, an increase of £13 a year or £1.08 a month. It equates to around a 4.2% increase across all council tax bands.

For every pound of the precept level set, Surrey Police is funded by an extra half a million pounds and the Commissioner thanked the county’s residents for the huge difference their council tax contributions make to hard-working officers and staff.

Residents respond

During December and January, the Commissioner’s office carried out a public consultation. More than 3,300 respondents answered the survey with their views.

Residents were asked whether they would be prepared to pay the suggested £13 extra a year on their council tax bill, a figure between £10 and £13, or a figure lower than £10.

41% of respondents said they would support the £13 increase, 11% voted for £12, and 2% said they would prepared to pay £11. A further 7% voted for a £10 a year, while the remaining 39% opted for a figure below £10.

Those who responded to the survey were also asked their views on what issues and crimes they would like to see Surrey Police prioritise during 2024/5. They pinpointed burglary, anti-social behaviour and drug crime as the three areas of policing they would most like to see focused on over the coming year.

“What policing does best”

The Commissioner said that even with the precept increase this year, Surrey Police will still need to find around £18m of savings over the next four years and that she would work with the Force to provide the best value for money for residents.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The Chief Constable’s plan sets out a clear vision of what he wants the Force to do to provide that service our residents rightly expect. It concentrates on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.

“We spoke to hundreds of residents across the county at our recent community events and they told us loud and clear what they want to see.

“They want their police to be there when they need them, to answer their calls for help as quickly as possible and to tackle those crimes which blight their everyday lives in our communities.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s proposed increase to the policing element of Surrey taxpayer’s council tax has been accepted

“This is why I believe that supporting our policing teams has never been more important than it is today and I need to ensure the Chief Constable has the right tools to take the fight to the criminals.

“So I am delighted that my precept proposal will go ahead  – the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax will make a vital difference to our hard working officers and staff.

“I am under no illusion that the cost of living crisis continues to put a huge strain on everyone’s resources and asking the public for more money has been incredibly difficult.

“But I have to balance that with providing an effective police service that puts tackling those issues, which I know are so important to our communities, at the heart of it what does.

“Invaluable” feedback

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill in our survey and give us their views on policing in Surrey. More 3,300 people took part and not only gave me their opinions on the budget but also on what areas they want to see our teams focus on, which is invaluable for shaping the policing plans going forward.

“We also received more than 1,600 comments on a range of topics, which will help inform the conversations my office has with the Force on what is important to our residents.

“Surrey Police has worked extremely hard to not only meet but surpass the government’s target for extra officers, meaning the Force has the most officers in its history which is fantastic news.

“Today’s decision will mean they can receive the right support to deliver the Chief Constable’s plan and make our communities even safer for our residents.”

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'

There’s still time to share your views on what you’ll pay towards policing in 2024/2025

Posted on | by James Smith

THERE is still time to have your say on whether you would be prepared to pay a little extra to support a renewed police focus on fighting crime where you live.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking for your views on the amount of money that will be provided from your council tax to help fund Surrey Police in 2024/25.

Her annual survey closes on 30 January. Have your say using the buttons below:

Complete the survey in English
Wypełnij ankietę w języku Polskim
Completează sondajul în Română
Completar la encuesta en Español
Complete a pesquisa em Português
Töltse ki a kérdőívet Magyar nyelven

The Commissioner said she is keen to support the new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer’s Plan for the Force that includes maintaining a visible presence in our communities, increasing the number of offenders put before the courts, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and targeting drug dealers and shop-lifting gangs.

However Surrey Police continues to face financial pressures including increased costs for pay, energy and fuel and more demand for policing services. The Commissioner says support for our policing teams is more important than ever and is asking residents to give her their views on the level of funding for the coming year.  

All of the options in this year’s survey will require the Force to continue to make savings over the next four years.

You can learn more as we hold a new series of ‘Policing your Community’ events across Surrey this January, giving residents the chance to join us online and put their questions about policing to the Commissioner, Chief Constable and Borough Commander for their area.

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Surrey residents have told me loud and clear what they want to see, and the Chief Constable’s Plan sets out a clear vision of how he wants the Force to provide the service they rightly expect.

“But in order for it to be a success, I need to support the Chief Constable by making sure I give him the right resources to realise his ambitions in what remains a difficult financial climate for policing.

“I must of course balance that with the burden on the Surrey public and I am under no illusions that the cost of living crisis is continuing to put a huge strain on household budgets.

“That is why I want to know what you think and whether you would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year. Please take a minute or two to share your views.”

Use the links below to read more information or request a copy of the survey in a different format:

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'

Council Tax 2024/25 – Would you be prepared to pay a little extra to support renewed focus on fighting crime?

Posted on | by James Smith

Would you be prepared to pay a little extra over the coming year to support a renewed police focus on fighting crime and protecting people where you live?

That is the question Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking Surrey residents as she launches her annual survey on the level of council tax they will pay for policing in the county.

The Commissioner says she wants to support the new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer’s Plan for the Force in which he vows to tackle pockets of lawlessness in the county, relentlessly pursue the most prolific offenders in our communities and crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Those who live in Surrey are being invited to answer just four questions on whether they would support an increase on their council tax bills in 2024/25 to help put that plan into action.

All of the options in the survey require Surrey Police to continue to make savings over the next four years.

Complete the survey in English
Wypełnij ankietę w języku Polskim
Completează sondajul în Română

It comes after the Commissioner joined the Chief Constable and Borough Commanders in a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events held across Surrey in the autumn and that will continue online this January.

At those meetings, the Chief Constable has been setting out his blueprint on what he wants Surrey Police to focus on in the next two years, which includes:

  • Maintaining a visible presence in Surrey communities which tackles pockets of lawlessness – driving out drug dealers, targeting shoplifting gangs and cracking down on ASB hot-spots

  • Substantially increasing the number of offenders charged and crimes detected; with 2,000 more charges made by March 2026

  • Relentlessly pursuing thugs, thieves and abusers by identifying the most dangerous and prolific offenders and taking them off our streets

  • Continuing to investigate all reasonable lines of enquiry, including attending all domestic burglaries

  • Carrying out major crime fighting operations that go over and above everyday policing

  • Answering calls from the public quickly and ensuring the response from police is swift and effective

  • Seizing more criminal assets and putting that cash back into our communities.

One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police. That includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government.

The Commissioner said it is an extremely hard decision to ask the public for more money with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite.

But with inflation continuing to rise, she warned an increase was needed for the Force to keep pace with inflationary rises in pay, fuel and energy costs.

Recognising the increased pressure on police budgets, the Government announced on 05 December that they have given PCCs across the country the flexibility to increase the policing element of a Band D council tax bill by £13 a year or an extra £1.08 a month – the equivalent of just over 4% across all bands in Surrey.

The public are being invited to have their say on the amount the Commissioner sets in her proposal in February, with options for a below inflation increase that is below £10, or between £10 and £13.

Whilst the maximum increase of £13 would provide the Chief Constable with most of the resources he needs to achieve his plans for the Force, Surrey Police would still need to find at least £17m of savings over the next four years.

A middle option would allow the Force to keep its head above water with minimum reductions to staffing levels – while an increase of less than £10 would mean that further savings will have to be made. This could result in a reduction in some of the services which the public value the most, such as taking calls, investigating crimes and detaining suspects.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “At the recent community events, our residents have told us loud and clear what they want to see.

“They want their police to be there when they need them, to answer their calls for help as quickly as possible and to tackle those crimes which blight their everyday lives in our communities.

“The Chief Constable’s plan sets out a clear vision of what he wants the Force to do to provide that service the public rightly expect. It concentrates on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.

“It is a bold plan but one residents have told me they want to see. In order for it to be a success, I need to support the Chief Constable by making sure I give him the right resources to realise his ambitions in a difficult financial climate.

“But of course I must balance that with the burden on the Surrey public and I am under no illusions that the cost of living crisis is continuing to put a huge strain on household budgets.

“That is why I want to know what Surrey residents think and whether they would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year.”

The Commissioner said Surrey Police continue to face a number of significant challenges including huge pressure on pay, energy and fuel costs and increasing demand for policing services whilst the Force must find in the region of £20m in savings over the next four years.

She added: “Surrey Police have worked extremely hard to not only meet but surpass the government’s target for extra officers under its Uplift programme to recruit 20,000 nationwide.

“It means Surrey Police have the most officers in its history which is fantastic news. But I want to ensure we don’t undo all of that hard work in the coming years which is why I must think very carefully about making sound, long term financial plans.

“That includes making every efficiency we possibly can and the Force is undergoing a transformation programme designed to ensure we provide the best value for money for the public that we can.

“Last year, the majority of those who took part in our poll voted for a council tax increase to support our policing teams and I really want to know whether you would be willing to continue that support again.

“So I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.”

The council tax survey will close at 12pm on 30 January 2024.

Visit our Council tax page for more information.

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'
female police officer in hat in foreground of a photo of new police officers standing to attention at the Surrey Police headquarters

Frontline policing protected as Commissioner’s budget proposal agreed

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said frontline policing across Surrey will be protected over the coming year after her proposed council tax rise was agreed earlier today.

The Commissioner’s suggested increase of just over 5% for the policing element of the council tax will go ahead after members of the county’s Police and Crime Panel voted to support her proposal during a meeting at Woodhatch Place in Reigate this morning.

The overall budget plans for Surrey Police were outlined to the Panel today including the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government.

The Commissioner said policing is facing significant financial challenges and the Chief Constable had been clear that without a precept increase, the Force would have to make cuts which would ultimately affect the service to Surrey residents.

However today’s decision will mean Surrey Police can continue to protect frontline services, enabling policing teams to tackle those issues important to the public and take the fight to criminals in our communities.

The policing element of an average Band D Council Tax bill will now be set at £310.57– an increase of £15 a year or £1.25 a month. It equates to around a 5.07% increase across all council tax bands.

For every pound of the precept level set, Surrey Police is funded by an extra half a million pounds. The Commissioner has said the council tax contributions make a huge difference to the service our hard-working officers and staff provide to the county and thanked residents for their ongoing support.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend stands outside in front of sign with office logo


The Commissioner’s office carried out a public consultation throughout December and early January in which over 3,100 respondents answered a survey with their views.

Residents were given three options – whether they would be prepared to pay the suggested £15 extra a year on their council tax bill, a figure between £10 and £15 or a figure lower than £10.

Around 57% of respondents said they would support the £15 increase, 12% voted for a figure between £10 and £15 and the remaining 31% said they would be willing to pay a lower figure.

Those who responded to the survey pinpointed burglary, anti-social behaviour and preventing neighbourhood crime as the three areas of policing they would most like to see Surrey Police focus on over the coming year.

The Commissioner said that even with the precept increase this year, Surrey Police will still need to find £17m of savings over the next four years – in addition to the £80m that has already been taken out over the last decade.

“450 extra officers and operational policing staff will have been recruited into the Force since 2019”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Asking the public for more money this year has been an incredibly difficult decision and I have thought long and hard about the precept proposal that I put before the Police and Crime Panel today.

“I am all too aware the cost of living crisis is putting a huge squeeze on everyone’s finances. But the harsh reality is that policing is also being seriously impacted by the current financial climate too.

“There is huge pressure on pay, energy and fuel costs and the stark rise in inflation means the Surrey Police budget is under considerable strain like never before.

“When I was elected as Commissioner in 2021, I committed to put as many police officers on our streets as possible and since I have been in post, the public have told me loud and clear that is what they want to see.

“Surrey Police is currently on track to recruit the extra 98 police officers which is Surrey’s share this year of the government’s national uplift programme which I know residents are eager to see out in our communities.

“That will mean over 450 extra officers and operational policing staff will have been recruited into the Force since 2019 which I believe will make Surrey Police the strongest it has been in a generation.

“A huge amount of hard work has gone into recruiting those extra numbers but in order to maintain these levels, it is crucial that we give them the right support, training and development.

“This will mean we can get more of them out and about in our communities as soon as we can keeping people safe during these difficult times.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill in our survey and give us their opinions on policing in Surrey. Over 3,000 people took part and once again showed their support for our policing teams with 57% backing the full £15 a year increase.

“We also received over 1,600 comments on a range of topics which will help inform the conversations my office has with the Force on what is important to our residents.

“Surrey Police are making progress in those areas that matter to our communities. The number of burglaries being solved is on the increase, a huge focus has been put into making our communities safer for women and girls and Surrey Police received an outstanding rating from our inspectors on preventing crime.

“But we want to do even better. In the last few weeks I have recruited Surrey’s new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and I am determined to give him the right resources he needs so we can provide the Surrey public with the best service possible to our communities.”

Last chance for Surrey residents to share their views in Commissioner’s council tax survey

Posted on | by Alex Winter

IT’S the last chance to have your say on how much you’d be prepared to pay to support policing teams in the county.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s survey on council tax levels for 2023/24 ends this Monday, January 16. The poll is available via smartsurvey.co.uk/s/counciltax2023/

Lisa is asking residents if they’d support a small increase of up to £1.25 a month in their council tax so policing levels can be sustained in Surrey.

Contact your Commissioner

Thousands of people have already shared their views on one of three options – an extra £15 a year on an average council tax bill, which will help Surrey Police maintain its current position and aim to improve services in the future, between £10 and £15 extra a year, which will allow the Force to keep its head above water, or less than £10, which would likely mean a reduction in service to communities.

Setting the overall budget for the Force is one of Lisa’s key responsibilities. This includes determining the level of council tax specifically raised for policing in the county, which is known as the precept.

Police forces around the country are funded by both the precept and a grant from central government.

‘Strong response’

Lisa said: “We’ve had a strong response to the survey, but it’s incredibly important to me that as many Surrey residents as possible get to have their say.

“If you haven’t yet had a chance to respond, please do – it will take just a minute or two to do.

“This year, Home Office funding is based on the expectation that Commissioners like me will increase the precept by £15 a year.

“I know how stretched households are this year, and I thought long and hard before launching my survey.

“However, the Chief Constable for Surrey has been clear that the Force needs additional funding just to maintain its position. I don’t want to risk taking a step backwards when it comes to the service our county expects and deserves.”

Surrey residents urged to have their say in council tax survey before time runs out

Posted on | by James Smith

Time is running out for Surrey residents to have their say on how much they’re prepared to pay to support policing teams in their communities over the coming year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has urged everyone living in the county to share their views on her council tax survey for 2023/24 at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/counciltax2023/

The poll will close at 12noon on this Monday, January 16. Residents are being asked if they’d support a small increase of up to £1.25 a month in council tax so policing levels can be sustained in Surrey.

One of Lisa’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for the Force. This includes determining the level of council tax specifically raised for policing in the county, which is known as the precept.

Three options are available in the survey – an extra £15 a year on an average council tax bill, which would help Surrey Police maintain its current position and look to improve services, between £10 and £15 extra a year, which will allow the Force to keep its head above water, or less than £10, which would likely mean a reduction in service to communities.

The Force is funded by both the precept and a grant from central government.

This year, Home Office funding will be based on the expectation that Commissioners around the country will increase the precept by an extra £15 a year.

Lisa said: “We’ve already had a good response to the survey, and I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to have their say.

“I’d also like to encourage anyone who hasn’t yet had time to quickly do so. It takes just a minute or two, and I’d love to know your thoughts.

‘Good news stories’

“Asking residents for more money this year has been an extremely difficult decision.

“I am well aware that the cost of living crisis is impacting every household in the county. But with inflation continuing to rise, a council tax increase will be necessary just to allow Surrey Police to maintain its current position. Over the next four years, the Force must find £21.5million in savings.

“There are many good news stories to tell. Surrey is one of the safest places to live in the country, and progress is being made in areas of concern for our residents, including the number of burglaries that are being solved.

“We are also on track to recruit almost 100 new officers as part of the government’s national uplift programme, meaning more than 450 extra officers and operational staff will have been brought into the Force since 2019.

“However, I don’t want to risk taking a step backwards in the services we provide. I spend much of my time consulting with residents and hearing about the issues that matter most to them, and I’d now ask the Surrey public for their continued support.”

Policing levels sustained across Surrey after Commissioner’s council tax proposal agreed

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Policing levels across Surrey will be sustained over the coming year after Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s proposed council tax precept rise was agreed earlier today.

The Commissioner’s suggested 3.5% increase for the policing element of the council tax will go ahead after a unanimous vote from the county’s Police and Crime Panel during a meeting at County Hall in Reigate this morning.

One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police including determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government.

The PCC said while policing is facing a significant rise in costs, the precept increase will mean Surrey Police is able to maintain policing levels across the county over the next year.

The policing element of an average Band D Council Tax bill will now be set at £295.57 – an increase of £10 a year or 83p a week. It equates to around a 3.5% increase across all council tax bands.

The PCC’s office carried out a public consultation throughout December and early January in which around 2,700 respondents answered a survey with their views. Residents were given three options – whether they would be prepared to pay the suggested 83p extra a month on their council tax bill – or a higher or lower figure.

Around 60% of respondents said they would support the 83p increase or a higher rise. Just under 40% voted for a lower figure.

Combined with Surrey Police’s share of extra officers from the government’s uplift programme, last year’s increase in the policing element of the council tax meant the Force was able to add 150 officers and operational staff to their ranks. In 2022/23, the government’s uplift programme will mean the Force can recruit around 98 more police officers.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “The public have told me loud and clear that they want to see more police officers in our communities tackling those issues that matter most to them.

“This increase will mean Surrey Police are able to sustain their current policing levels and give the right support to those extra officers we are bringing in as part of the government’s uplift programme.

“It is always difficult to ask the public for more money, especially in the current financial climate with the cost of living increasing for us all so I haven’t taken this decision lightly.

“But I wanted to ensure we didn’t take a backwards step in the service we provide to our residents and risk the hard work that has gone into increasing police numbers in recent years being undone.

“I launched my Police and Crime Plan in December which was firmly based on the priorities that residents told me they felt were the most important such as the safety of our local roads, tackling anti-social behaviour, combatting drugs and ensuring the safety of women and girls in our communities.

“In order to deliver on those priorities and maintain that vital role in keeping our communities safe during these difficult times, I believe we must ensure we have the right resources in place. The budget for my office was also discussed at the meeting and the panel did recommend that I review it but I am pleased that the precept was unanimously approved.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill in our survey and give us their views – we received nearly 1,500 comments from people with a range of opinions on policing in this county.

“I am determined during my time as Commissioner to provide the Surrey public with the best service we can and to support our policing teams across the county in the brilliant job they do protecting our residents.”

Council Tax 2022/23 – Commissioner seeks views of residents on police funding in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking the public whether they would be prepared to pay a little extra to support police teams in Surrey over the coming year.

Residents are being urged to fill in a brief survey and share their views on whether they would support a small rise in council tax so that policing levels can be sustained in communities across the county.

The Commissioner said that like all public services, policing is facing a significant rise in costs in the current financial climate and in order to maintain the current position, an increase of some kind will likely be necessary.

The public are being invited to have their say on whether they would agree to pay an extra 83p a month on an average council tax bill.

The short online survey can be filled in here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/YYOV80/

One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police including determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government.

The Home Office have given PCCs across the country the flexibility to increase the policing element of a Band D Council Tax bill by £10 a year or an extra 83p a month – the equivalent of around 3.5% across all bands.

The Commissioner is asking the public to fill in her survey to let her know whether they would be prepared to pay the extra 83p – or a higher or lower figure.

Combined with Surrey Police’s share of extra officers from the government’s uplift programme, last year’s increase in the policing element of the council tax meant the Force was able to add 150 officers and operational staff to their ranks.

The increase also helped retain vital operational support staff, such as forensic staff, 999 call handlers and specialist digital investigators, helped fight online fraud and ensuring better crime prevention. In 2022/23, Surrey Police’s share of the uplift programme will mean they can recruit around 70 more police officers.

Earlier this week, the Commissioner launched her Police and Crime Plan for the county which set out the key priorities the public have told her they want Surrey Police to focus on in the next three years.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “My Police and Crime Plan places a real focus on making sure we not only keep our communities safe but that those that live in them feel safe too.

“I am determined during my time as Commissioner to provide the Surrey public with the very best value for money for their policing service and to put as many officers and staff as possible into our police teams to ensure we protect our residents.

“But in order to achieve that, I must ensure the Chief Constable has the right resources at his disposal.

“The public have told me they want to see more police on their streets and Surrey Police has made real strides in recent years to bolster the ranks of officers and staff by around 300 with more to come this year. Since I took office I have seen first-hand what a vital role they have played in our communities in really difficult circumstances.

“But all public services are facing a tough future with rising costs and we are not immune in policing. I don’t want to see the hard work that has gone into providing a much needed boost to our policing numbers being undone and that is why I am asking the Surrey public for their support during these challenging times.

“But I really want to know what they think so I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.”

The consultation will close at 9.00am on Tuesday 4 January 2022. For more information – visit https://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/council-tax-2022-23/

Extra officers and operational support roles set for Surrey Police after PCC’s council tax proposal agreed

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police’s ranks will be boosted by extra officers and operational support roles over the coming year after Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro’s proposed council tax precept rise was agreed earlier today.

The PCC’s suggested 5.5% increase for the policing element of the council tax was considered by the county’s Police and Crime Panel during an online meeting this morning.

Although the majority of the panel members present didn’t support the proposal, there were insufficient votes to veto it and the precept was agreed.

Combined with Surrey Police’s next allocation of the 20,000 officers promised by government nationally, it means the Force can add 150 police officer and operational posts to its establishment during 2021/22.

These roles will bolster numbers in those crucial areas needed to increase visibility, improve our public contact and provide that essential operational support to our frontline officers.

The agreed rise will allow the Force to invest in an additional 10 officer and 67 operational support staff roles including:

• A new team of officers focused on reducing the most serious accidents on our roads

‚Ä¢ A dedicated rural crime team to tackle and prevent issues in the county’s rural communities

• More police staff focused on assisting local investigations, such as interviewing suspects, to allow police officers to stay out visible in communities

• Trained intelligence gathering and research analysts to gather information on criminal gangs operating in Surrey and help target those causing the most harm in our communities

• More police roles focused on engaging with the public and making it easier to contact Surrey Police via digital means and the 101 service.

• Additional funding to provide key support services for victims of crime Рin particular domestic violence, stalking and child abuse.

Today’s decision will mean the policing element of an average Band D Council Tax bill will be set at £285.57 – an increase of £15 a year or 29p a week. It equates to around a 5.5% increase across all council tax bands.

The PCC’s office carried out a public consultation throughout January and early February in which nearly 4,500 respondents answered a survey with their views. The survey result was extremely close with 49% of respondents agreeing with the PCC’s proposal with 51% against.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: “Police resources have been stretched to the limit over the last decade and I have pledged to do everything I can to put more officers back into our communities tackling those issues that matter to Surrey residents.

“So I’m pleased that this year’s precept has been agreed which will mean more numbers added to the Surrey Police establishment that will provide a badly needed boost to our frontline.

“When I launched our consultation in January, I said asking the public for more money during these difficult times was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make as PCC.

“That has been borne out in our survey which showed a really even split in people’s views on supporting my proposed rise and I fully appreciate the hardship lots of people are facing during this extremely difficult period.

“But I firmly believe that in these uncertain times the role our police teams play in keeping our communities safe has never been more important and that tipped the balance for me in recommending this increase.

“I would like to thank all those members of the public who took the time to fill in our survey and give us their views. We received over 2,500 comments from people with a range of views on policing in this county and I have read each and every one.

“This will help shape the conversations I have with the Chief Constable on those issues which you have told me are important to you.

“I want to ensure that our residents get the very best value for money from their police force so I will be paying close attention to ensure these extra roles are filled as quickly as possible so they can start making a difference to our communities.”

Council Tax 2021/22 – Would you pay a bit more to boost policing numbers and support officers and staff in Surrey?

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro is asking residents whether they would be prepared to pay a bit more in council tax to boost policing numbers and support officers and staff in the county over the coming year.

The PCC is consulting with Surrey tax-payers on his proposal of a 5.5% annual increase in the amount the public pay for policing through their council tax.

The Commissioner said he believes the role police officers and staff play in Surrey’s communities is more important now than ever as the county continues to face up to challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The proposed rise, coupled with Surrey Police’s next allocation of the 20,000 officers paid for by central government, would mean the Force could add an extra 150 officers and staff to their establishment over the coming year.

The PCC is inviting the public to have their say by filling in a short online survey here.

One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police including determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government.

In December, the Home Office gave PCCs across the country the flexibility to increase the policing element of a Band D Council Tax bill by £15 a year or an extra £1.25 a month – the equivalent of around 5.5% across all bands.

The combination of last year’s precept together with the initial share of the national officer uplift meant Surrey Police were able to strengthen their establishment by 150 officers and staff during 2020/21.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Force are well on track to fill those posts by the end of this financial year and the PCC said he wants to match that success by adding another 150 to the ranks during 2021/22.

The government has provided ring-fenced funding for an extra 73 officers for Surrey Police for the second tranche of officers from their national uplift.

To complement that uplift in police numbers – the PCC’s proposed 5.5% rise would allow the Force to invest in an additional 10 officer and 67 staff roles including:

  • A new team of officers focused on reducing the most serious accidents on our roads
  • A dedicated rural crime team to tackle and prevent issues in the county’s rural communities
  • More police staff focused on assisting local investigations, such as interviewing suspects, to allow police officers to stay out visible in communities
  • Trained intelligence gathering and research analysts to gather information on criminal gangs operating in Surrey and help target those causing the most harm in our communities
  • More police staff focused on engaging with the public and making it easier to contact Surrey Police via digital means and the 101 service.
  • Additional funding to provide key support services for victims of crime – in particular domestic violence, stalking and child abuse.

PCC David Munro said: “We are all living through an incredibly difficult time so deciding what I think the public should pay for their policing in Surrey over the next year is one of the hardest tasks I have faced as your Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Over the last year our police officers and staff have faced unprecedented challenges in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, putting themselves and their loved ones at risk to keep us safe. I believe the role they play in our communities during these uncertain days is more important now than ever.

“Residents across the county have consistently told me that they really value their police teams and would like to see more of them in our communities.

“This remains a key priority for me and after years of government cuts to our police service, we have a real opportunity to continue the significant strides we have made in the last few years in recruiting those badly needed extra numbers to the Surrey Police frontline.

“That is why I am proposing a 5.5% increase in the police element of council tax which would mean we could bolster officer and staff numbers in those crucial roles that are needed to increase visibility, improve our public contact and provide that essential operational support to our frontline officers.

“It is always difficult to ask the public to pay more money, particularly in these troubled times. That is why it is really important to me however to get the views and opinions of the Surrey public so I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our survey and let me know their thoughts.”

The consultation will close at 9.00am on Friday 5 February 2020. If you want to read more about the PCC’s proposal click here.

Together with the Surrey Police Chief Officer Team and local Borough Commanders, the PCC will also be carrying out a series of online public engagement events in every borough in the county in the next five weeks to hear people’s views in person.

You can sign up to your local event on our Engagement Events page.