Emma Wools, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales announces a 7.37% increase to the Precept

Emma Wools, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales announces a 7.37% increase to the Precept, to ensure the delivery of the public’s priorities for the future.

Following a successful presentation to the Police and Crime Panel of South Wales, PCC Emma Wools has announced a 7.37% increase in the South Wales Precept, to continue to deliver on the priorities, the public of South Wales need and expect from their Police force.

After an extensive public consultation, the feedback received from the public helped form the beginnings of the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, which is due to be published in March, guided the focus of the priorities for the PCC and helped to determine the Precept increase for the years ahead.

PCC Emma Wools said:

“Since my election as the Police and Crime Commissioner, I’ve made it a priority to engage widely with the people of South Wales to really understand their concerns and how we as a Police Force deliver the safe, just and inclusive South Wales they voted for back in May.”

“In order to deliver that vision, effectively serve the people of South Wales and ensure our communities are safe and secure, I’ve taken the difficult decision to announce an increase that equates to a £1.45 to £2.17 per month increase to the Precept for the majority of households, ensuring our police service has the necessary resources to keep our communities safe.”

“As your Welsh Labour PCC, I’m acutely aware of the financial pressures that households right across South Wales are facing. I’ve visited and engaged with communities the length and breadth of the force area, listened to their concerns and this has resulted in me being able to announce one of the lowest Precept increases in Wales.”

“Despite the continued backdrop of a difficult economic situation, with inflation, police pay, and other costs all rising, this increase to the precept ensures we can protect neighbourhood policing, tackle violent crime, prioritise crime prevention, continue vitally important support for victims and invest in technology to tackle new and emerging crime types.”

Following a successful presentation to the Police and Crime Panel, a £26 increase per annum was agreed. The percentage increase to the Precept will be 7.37%, for each household that means:

• £2.17 increase per month for a Band D property
• £1.92 increase per month for Band C
• £1.69 increase per month for Band B
• £1.45 increase per month for Band A

Finally, Emma Wools said:

“The people of South Wales know that over a decade of underfunding has left our public services in dire need of investment, that’s why I’ve recommended an increase to the Precept, to invest in our Police Force, prioritise the public’s key concerns and deliver the level of service the taxpayers of South Wales want and expect.”

“Turning the page on austerity and dealing with its consequences, won’t happen overnight, but we all know and accept, that in order to deliver the safe and just South Wales, we need to invest now, to improve outcomes for the future.”