With one week left remaining until the police funding survey (known as ‘the precept’) closes, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Shelford is inviting residents to give their views on the proposed £10 per year increase to the policing part of the council tax.

Local policing is funded by a combination of people’s council tax (the precept), Home Office funding, and other grants.  The precept makes up 41% of police funding.

The PCC is responsible for setting the amount of money residents contribute to local policing through the precept. The Government has determined the maximum amount by which PCCs can increase the precept as £13 this year.

The survey, which closes on 29 January, can be accessed here: www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/precept

Mark Shelford said: “I know that times are tough for a lot of households and an increase in bills next year is a big ask from local residents. Rising costs of living are continuing to impact on us all, including affecting the cost of running the police service.

“Even if Avon and Somerset Police receive an extra £10 from households next year, there will still be a need to increase savings across the force. The size of the savings needed will likely result in about 250 staff roles being cut across the next few years. These cuts will have an impact on front line services such as visible policing and the ability to investigate crime.

“In order to deliver on the priorities and the issues that are important to people in the region, I need to ask for this additional funding.

“I am urging as many people as possible to take five minutes to complete the survey.

Anyone needing this survey in an alternative format please use the general enquiry form online or visit: www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk