Staffordshire’s Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis discussed proposals today (10 February) for the amount to be paid locally towards police and fire and rescue services.
Mr Ellis put forward a rise of 16p a week for policing and 3p a week for fire and rescue in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent at today’s Police, Fire and Crime Panel, which agreed the proposal.
The Commissioner praised the professionalism of both emergency services and said the funding would help maintain the high standards set by both.
‘Whilst I know the budgets will be tight for both services, I am confident the professionals will rise to the challenge and maintain safe and highly effective services.
‘Challenges for policing are becoming more complex. Criminality is changing and with reduced national funding over several years, it means I’ve asked people to pay more local tax. However the increase since 2013, when I was first elected, is still the second lowest in the country.
‘Investment last year from local taxpayers is making a big difference, with the 69 more police officers I promised now in place. Crime is falling in only four of 43 policing areas across the country and Staffordshire is one of those four.
‘Both services have been rated as ‘good’ across the board by the independent inspectorate. I’m proud of both services and their dedication and hard work.’
