Budget proposal approved by Police and Crime Panel
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:
“I am delighted that the Police and Crime Panel voted by a significant majority in favour of an increase of just under 10 pence per week, £4.95 a year, in the amount of council tax used to fund policing in Essex.
“Whilst I am conscious that even small increases in tax can cause hardship, Essex Police remains significantly under-funded compared with other police forces whilst being judged efficient and providing value for money by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.
‘I heard very clearly from the Panel the same message I have heard from meetings around the county. The visibility of our local police officers and PCSOs, and the ability to speak with them face to face is truly valued. The Chief Constable and I understand that and we will ensure that everything possible is done to maintain those local connections and, when it becomes possible, to reinvest in local policing.
“It is with great regret that, even with this increase, 160 PCSOs and 62 Customer Contact Administrators will be leaving Essex Police in the coming weeks and months. I thank each and every one for their professionalism and dignity.
“I am pleased that with this funding approved we will be able to keep 90 PCSOs at the heart of Essex Police’s new Community Policing Teams, and provide more specialist policing to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
More detail on the funding of Essex Police can be seen here
The budget papers presented to the Police and Crime Panel can be read here
