Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis says he wants people to speak up loudly and clearly on which of three options they should pay towards policing and fire and rescue services in the county and city.
Mr Ellis said it is now more important than ever in these difficult times that he hears from as many people as possible about what they feel they can afford to pay and should pay towards emergency services.
The Commissioner said he believes just because the power exists to ask the public for as much as you can, it doesn’t mean to say you should.
‘I try hard to keep the cost to local tax payers down and since I first set the local tax for policing in 2013, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have seen the second smallest increase of all 43 police force areas nationally,’ said Mr Ellis.
‘Now more than ever, when people have been furloughed and it is so difficult for everyone, it is not the time to ask the public for as much as you possibly can, just because you may have the power to do so.
‘People in Staffordshire have already paid for a boost in police officers over the last few years, which we have seen and felt the benefit of in numbers and services.
‘2020 has been unprecedented because of Covid. Whilst public services have been heroic in their efforts, the ongoing effects of the virus and catastrophic impact on businesses, jobs and livelihoods means getting the balance right, between investing in services and being clear that people are hurting financially, is vital.
‘I really need to hear the public’s views on this and would encourage everyone to have their say and make their voices heard on the three available options in the survey. I am listening and I’m relying on people to let me know how they feel.’
The Commissioner is required to set the amount local people pay towards policing and fire and rescue each financial year.
He considers the public’s views alongside those of the senior leadership of each service, new challenges and risks and requirements set by the Government.
The Commissioner will then recommend to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel at the start of February for policing and two weeks later for fire and rescue, what proportion it is fair to ask local people to contribute. National government also provides an amount through national taxation.
The survey where you can have your say on which option is live from today and will be open for the next four weeks until January 18.
We’ll be telling people about it on social media too, so look out for the posts.
