Police portion of tax to rise (From Andover Advertiser)
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Police portion of tax to rise
10:00am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News
THE policing element of the council tax is to rise by more than the rate of inflation in 2013/14.
The Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes’ proposed rise of 3.4 per cent, equivalent to 10p a week for a Band D household, was approved by the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel on Friday.
Mr Hayes said: “This is the first time in two years the policing element of the council tax has risen, but I have been left with no choice.
“Each year of a council tax freeze creates additional financial pressure in the short and medium term.
“The Government’s reward for freezing the council tax does not cover the lost income. In the past two years, £5.5m has been needed to cover the shortfall.
“That position cannot continue if people want to carry on receiving a top standard of service from the police service.”
Police say that 24 of the 43 police commissioners elected last year want to increase council taxes.
