Category: Role and responsibilities

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/

Cover of the Police and Crime Plan 2021-25

“The safety of our communities must remain at the heart of policing in Surrey” – Commissioner Lisa Townsend unveils her Police and Crime Plan

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has pledged to keep the safety of communities at the heart of policing in Surrey as she today unveiled her first Police and Crime Plan.

The Plan, which is published today, is designed to set out the strategic direction for Surrey Police and those key areas the Commissioner believes the Force needs to focus on for the next three years.

The Commissioner has set out key five priorities which the Surrey public have told her are the most important to them:

  • Reducing violence against women and girls in Surrey
  • Protecting people from harm in Surrey
  • Working with Surrey communities so that they feel safe
  • Strengthening relationships between Surrey Police and Surrey residents
  • Ensuring safer Surrey roads

Read the Plan here.

The Plan will run during the Commissioner’s current term of office until 2025 and provides the basis for how she holds the Chief Constable to account.

As part of the development of the plan, the widest consultation process ever carried out by the PCC’s office took place over recent months.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson led consultation events with a number of key groups such as MPs, councillors, victim and survivor groups, young people, professionals in crime reduction and safety, rural crime groups and those representing Surrey’s diverse communities.

In addition, nearly 2,600 Surrey residents took part in a county-wide survey to have their say on what they would like to see in the plan.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “It is really important to me that my plan reflects the views of Surrey residents and that their priorities are my priorities.

“Earlier this year we undertook a huge consultation exercise to get a broad range of views from both the public and those key partners we work with on what they would like to see from their police service.

“It is clear that there are issues that consistently cause concern such as speeding, anti-social behaviour, drugs and the safety of women and girls in our communities.

“I want to thank everyone who took part in our consultation process – your contribution has been invaluable in drawing this plan together.

“We’ve listened and this plan is very much based on the conversations we’ve had and the comments we’ve received on what is most important to people where they live and work.

“It is vital we strive to provide that visible police presence the public want in their communities, tackle those crimes and issues that affect our local communities and support victims and the most vulnerable in our society.

“The last 18 months have been particularly difficult for everyone and it will take time to recover from the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. That is why I believe it is more important than ever that we strengthen those relationships between our police teams and local communities and ensure we put their safety at the very heart of our plans.

“In order to achieve that and deliver on the priorities set out in my plan – I need to ensure that the Chief Constable has the right resources and that our policing teams are given the necessary support.

“In the coming days I will be consulting with the public again on my plans for this year’s council tax precept and asking for their support in these challenging times.

“Surrey is a fantastic place to live and work and I am committed to using this plan and working with the Chief Constable to continue providing the best policing service we can for our residents.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend next to Surrey Police HQ sign

Surrey Police Headquarters to remain in Guildford following landmark decision

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Surrey Police Headquarters will remain at the Mount Browne site in Guildford following a landmark decision made by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Force, it was announced today.

Previous plans to build a new HQ and Eastern operating base in Leatherhead have been halted in favour of redeveloping the current site which has been home to Surrey Police for the last 70 years.

The decision to remain at Mount Browne was agreed by PCC Lisa Townsend and the Force’s Chief Officer team on Monday (22nd November) following an independent review carried out on the future of the Surrey Police estate.

The Commissioner said that the policing landscape had ‘shifted significantly’ in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and that having considered all options, redeveloping the Guildford site offered the best value for money for the Surrey public.

The former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site in Leatherhead was purchased in March 2019 with the intention of replacing a number of existing police locations in the county, including the current HQ in Guildford.

However, plans to develop the site were paused in June this year whilst an independent review, commissioned by Surrey Police, was carried by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) to look specifically at the financial implications of the project.

Following recommendations from CIPFA, it was decided three options would considered for the future – whether to continue with plans for the Leatherhead base, to look at an alternative site elsewhere in the county or to redevelop the current HQ at Mount Browne.

Following a detailed assessment – a decision was taken that the best option to create a policing base fit for a modern day police force while providing the best value for money for the public was to redevelop Mount Browne.

Whilst plans for the site are still very much in the early stages, the development will take place in phases including a new joint Contact Centre and Force Control Room, a better location for the internationally renowned Surrey Police Dog School, a new Forensic Hub and improved facilities for training and accommodation.

This exciting new chapter will renew our Mount Browne site for the officers and staff of the future. The site in Leatherhead will also now be sold.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Designing a new headquarters is probably the biggest single investment that Surrey Police will ever make and it is vital we get it right.

“The most important factor for me is that we provide value for money for our residents and deliver an even better policing service for them.

“Our officers and staff deserve the very best support and working environment we can provide for them and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make sure we are making a sound investment for their future.

“Back in 2019, a decision was taken to build a new headquarters site in Leatherhead and I can fully understand the reasons why. But since then the policing landscape has shifted significantly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the way the Surrey Police workforce operate in terms of remote working.

“In light of that, I believe that remaining at Mount Browne is the right option for both Surrey Police and the public we serve.

“I wholeheartedly agree with the Chief Constable that staying as we are is not an option for the future. So we must ensure the plan for the proposed redevelopment reflects the dynamic and forward thinking Force we want Surrey Police to be.

“This is an exciting time for Surrey Police and my office will be working closely with the Force and the project team going forward to make sure we deliver a new headquarters we can all be proud of.”

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “Although Leatherhead offered us a new alternative to our headquarters, both in design and location, it had become clear that it was becoming increasingly harder to achieve our long-term dreams and ambitions.

“The pandemic has presented new opportunities to re-think how we can use our Mount Browne site and retain an estate that has been a part of Surrey Police’s history for more than 70 years. This announcement is an exciting opportunity for us to shape and design the look and feel of the Force for future generations.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend takes national lead on mental health and custody

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has become the national lead for mental health and custody for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC).

Lisa will guide best practise and the priorities of PCCs across the country, including strengthening the support available to those affected by mental ill-health and encouraging best practise in police custody.

The position will build on Lisa’s previous experience of supporting the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Mental Health, working alongside charities and the Centre for Mental Health to develop policies to put forward to the Government.

Lisa will lead the response from PCC’s to the Government on topics including the relationship between mental health service provision, police time spent attending to incidents and reducing offending.

The custody portfolio will champion the most effective processes for the detention and care of individuals, including continuous improvement of Independent Custody Visiting Schemes delivered by PCCs in England and Wales.

Independent Custody Visitors are volunteers who visit police stations to carry out important checks on the conditions of custody and the welfare of those who are detained. In Surrey, each of the three custody suites is visited five times a month by a team of 40 ICVs.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The mental health of our communities has an enormous impact on policing across the UK, and often places

police officers first at the scene in times of crisis.

“I’m excited to lead Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces right across the country, who have close relationships with health services and local organisations to strengthen the support for individuals affected by mental ill-health. This includes reducing the number of individuals who are vulnerable to criminal exploitation because of mental health concerns.

“In the last year, health services have faced enormous strain – as Commissioners, I believe there is much we can do together with local organisations to develop new initiatives and support impactful projects that will protect more individuals from harm.

“The Custody Portfolio is of equal importance to me and offers a chance to make further improvements in this less visible area of policing.”

Lisa will be supported by Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, who is Deputy Lead for Mental Health and Custody.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson

Lisa Townsend proposes new Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has proposed a Deputy PCC to join her team, it was announced today.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is 26, will become the youngest Deputy PCC in the country and will provide crucial support to the Commissioner with a particular focus on engaging with young people.

The role will also support the PCC on other key priorities such as violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, rural crime and pet theft.

Her nomination for the deputy position will go before the county’s Police and Crime Panel for a confirmation hearing at their next meeting on June 30.

Ellie has a background in policy, communications and youth engagement, and has worked in both public and private sector roles. Having joined the UK Youth Parliament in her early teens, she is experienced in voicing concerns for young people and representing others at all levels.

Ellie has a degree in Politics and a Graduate Diploma in Law. She has previously worked for the National Citizen Service and her most recent role was in digital design and communications.

Speaking of her decision to nominate a deputy, PCC Lisa Townsend said: “Ellie’s skills and experience make her the obvious choice, and I have seen first-hand the energy and commitment that she would bring to the post of deputy.

“A key part of her role will be about engaging with our residents in Surrey and in particular reaching out to our young people. I know she shares my passion to make a real difference to our communities and I think she will be a great asset to the PCC’s team.

“Ellie will be a fantastic deputy and I look forward to proposing her appointment to the Police and Crime Panel in June.”

Ellie was at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne Headquarters in Guildford this week to meet some of Surrey Police’s young Volunteer Police Cadets.

Outlining her plans for the role, she said: “I am honoured to have been nominated for the Deputy PCC role and I’m really excited about helping Lisa build and deliver her vision for policing in Surrey.

“I am particularly keen to enhance the work the PCC’s office does with young people in our county, and it was fantastic to meet some of the Cadets this week and learn about the role they play in the Surrey Police family.

“I aim to hit the ground running and be out and about with the PCC engaging with residents and communities across Surrey to make sure we reflect their priorities going forward.”

“Residents’ views will be at the heart of my policing plans” – new PCC Lisa Townsend takes up office following election win

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has pledged to keep residents’ views at the heart of her plans for the future as she took up office today following her election victory.

The Commissioner spent her first day in the role at the Surrey Police Headquarters in Mount Browne meeting some of her new team and spending time with the Chief Constable Gavin Stephens.

She said she is committed to addressing those key issues that residents of Surrey have told her are important to them such as tackling anti-social behaviour in our communities, improving police visibility, making the county’s roads safer and preventing violence against women and girls.

The PCC was voted in by the Surrey public following the election last week and said she wanted to repay the faith voters had put in her by making sure their priorities were her priorities.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “I am proud and excited to be PCC for this great county and I can’t wait to get started.

“I have already said how I want to be really visible to the residents we serve so I will be out and about in our communities as much as I possibly can to meet people and listen to their concerns.

“I also want to spend time getting to know the policing teams across the county that are doing a fantastic job in keeping people safe and getting their views on how I can best support them as PCC.

“In addition, I want to be a champion for victims and I will be putting a real focus on the commissioning work the PCC’s office carries out to protect the most vulnerable people in our society whilst doing more to make sure women and girls feel safe in Surrey.

“I had a really positive and constructive meeting with the Chief Constable this afternoon to discuss how those key issues residents have raised with me during my campaign fit in with the Force’s commitments to our communities.

“I look forward to working with Gavin in the weeks and months ahead to see where we can improve our service to the Surrey public.

“Residents across the county have told me they want to see more police on our streets and I want to work with the Force to ensure the police presence in every area is proportionate and appropriate.

“The views of our communities should be heard at a national level and I will fight to get to a better deal for residents on the amount of funding we receive from central government.

“The Surrey public have put their faith in me by electing me for this role and I want to ensure I do everything I can to repay that and help make our streets safer. If anyone has any issues they want to raise about policing in their local area – please do get in touch with me.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Lisa Townsend elected as next Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Lisa Townsend has this evening been voted in as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey for the next three years.

The Conservative candidate received 112,260 first preference votes from the Surrey public in the PCC election which took place on Thursday.

She was elected on second preference votes, after no candidates received more than 50% of first preference ballots.

The result was announced this afternoon in Addlestone after the votes were counted across the county. Turnout was 38.81%, compared to 28.07% in the last PCC election in 2016.

Lisa will formally start her role on Thursday 13 May and will replace the current PCC David Munro.

She said: “It is an absolute privilege and honour to become Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and I can’t wait to get started and help Surrey Police provide a service our residents can be proud of.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and the public who came out to vote. I am determined to repay the faith they have shown in me by doing everything I can in this role to be the residents voice on policing.

“I would also like to thank the outgoing Commissioner, David Munro for the dedication and care he has shown in the role for the last five years.

“I know from speaking to residents across the county during my election campaign that the job Surrey Police do a daily basis in our communities is greatly valued by the public. I look forward to working together with the Chief Constable and providing the best support I can to his officers and staff who work so hard to keep Surrey safe.”

Chief Constable of Surrey Police Gavin Stephens said: “I warmly congratulate Lisa on her election and welcome her to the Force. We will be working closely with her on her ambitions for the county and continuing to deliver ‘Our Commitments’ to our communities.

“I would also like to acknowledge the work of our outgoing Commissioner, David Munro, who has done a lot to support not only the Force, but the initiatives introduced during his tenure have made a significant difference to the residents of Surrey.”