Police – are you happy to pay 10.7% more?

These are very tough times, perhaps not the best time for the police to be asking us if we’re happy to pay between 6.4% up to a whopping 10.7% extra on our council tax precept!

It’s unlikely you’re aware of this – as the survey isn’t widely publicised.

But Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, has launched his annual Police Budget 2023/24 Survey in which residents are asked to approve the police precept – the part of your council tax that goes towards Cheshire Constabulary.

Note: in previous years just 3,000 have responded – that’s in total!

And as around two thirds of the respondents – circa 2,000, probably most of them employees of Cheshire Police – registered approval, it was deemed that the proposed increases had been approved by all.

The police precept rises year on year – only you can decide if you wish to pay even more.

The Commissioner is asking residents if they would be willing to pay £15 – £25.20 per year extra via the police precept, for the average band D household.

It doesn’t sound much, but with energy costs going through the roof, the fire authority and Macclesfield Town Council pursuing the same – plus we’re expecting an eye-watering increase from Cheshire East, these individual small amounts could mean breaking point for many.

The survey will close at midday on Tuesday 24 January. Have your say at: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/policebudget202324