A DECISION to request an increase in the policing precept was not taken "lightly," a police boss has said.

Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, has this week announced that he will ask the Police and Crime Panel to approve a lower than inflation rate increase in the policing precept.

This equates to 31p per week (or £16.29 annually) for the financial year 2023-24. 

In percentage terms, this means a 5.14 per cent council tax increase for a band D property on last year. 

Mr Dunbobbin will make the proposal to the Police and Crime Panel at a meeting on January 30, which will be live streamed on Conwy County Borough Council’s website.

Around half the money for the police budget in North Wales comes from the UK Government and the rest comes from Council Tax. The amount depends on the precept levied by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

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The decision to ask for an increase of 31p per week follows a consultation and survey that took place with the people of North Wales over nearly six weeks from December 5 to January 11, involving more than 1,000 responses. 

Mr Dunbobbin said: “Following consultation with the public, I have taken the decision to recommend an increase in the policing precept of 5.14 per cent for the coming financial year. 

"I did not take this decision lightly, as it is clear to me from responses to the consultation that many of us are feeling pressure from the cost-of-living crisis. 

"All views were taken into account and are finely balanced against the need to provide sufficient funding – and the best value for money – in keeping the people of North Wales safe.

“It is also clear to me from the consultation that people want to see our police service be as efficient, effective and as visible as possible in the way it operates. 

"Visibility is vitally important to our communities. We all want to feel safe and secure and I was elected on that mandate. 

"People also want to see an emphasis on rural and wildlife crime, preventing domestic abuse, protecting children and young people, and safeguarding vulnerable members of our society. 

"Lastly, they want to see us address the root causes of offending and supporting rehabilitation of offenders. I will take these views into consideration and discuss how we can act on them with the Chief Constable and with the rest of my team.”

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, said: “I recognise that these are challenging times, the cost of living crisis continues to bite and I am acutely aware of the impact any increase in outgoings can have. 

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"I would however like to reassure people that if the precept is accepted by the Police and Crime Panel we will invest the money to benefit people and communities across the whole of North Wales.

“One of our top priorities, in line with the survey results, is to improve our visibility out and about amongst local communities. An increase in PCSO numbers would help us to achieve this.

“Investment would also be made in areas to ensure the best outcome for victims and in other key sections such as forensics and scientific support, which are both such important services to many aspects of policing especially in helping to bring offenders to justice.”

If the North Wales Police and Crime Panel agrees to the increase, it will become effective in the next financial year from April 2023.