Would you support Sussex Police increasing part of council tax?

More than half of respondents to a Sussex Police survey said they would support a proposed increase in the policing part of council tax.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jan 2014, 12:59 BST
Katy Bourne. PCC for Sussex. 13/12/13Katy Bourne. PCC for Sussex. 13/12/13
Katy Bourne. PCC for Sussex. 13/12/13

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne sought the public’s opinion during a public consultation period between October 30 2013 and January 10.

The survey revealed that 67 per cent of respondents would support the increase.

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Mrs Bourne said: “I am pleased with the results of the public consultation. I have a statutory obligation to set the police budget and that is why I sought the views of Sussex taxpayers regarding a potential increase of £4.95 per year per band D household.

“The increase would go towards reducing serious sexual offending and tackling child exploitation, strengthening the fight against cyber crime and increasing the visibility of frontline policing.

“I fulfilled my election pledge to freeze the precept in my first year of office and, as a result, residents have paid the same amount for policing in Sussex for the last four years.

“However, as a voice for local people on policing and crime it was very important that I knew if Sussex residents were willing to pay a little extra in order to enable further investment and ensure Sussex Police is sufficiently resourced to meet future challenges.”

The situation will be reviewed by the Police and Crime Panel on Friday January 24.

What do you think? Would you support police increasing council tax? Comment below or email [email protected]