Have your say on possible Council Tax police precept increase

Around 65% of police funding comes from central Government and the rest is raised through a portion of residents’ Council Tax known as the Policing Precept.

The possible increase to the Policing Precept is separate to any potential rises to the Council Tax, which funds a wide range of essential local services delivered by the local authority, and the Humberside Fire and Rescue Precept.

This year, there are five options:

•Option 1: Freeze. This would require an additional £4.6m funding from reserves, which would require a reduction in police officer numbers.

•Option 2: An increase of £9.99 per year (19p per week on a Band D property). This would also require an additional £1.63m funding from reserves which will require reduction in police officer numbers.

•Option 3: An increase of £14.99 per year (27p per week on a Band D property). This would also require an additional £0.438m funding from reserves which is manageable next year.

•Option 4: An increase of £19.99 per year (38p per week on a Band D property). This would provide an additional £1.35m funding.

•Option 5: An increase of £24.99 per year (48p per week on a Band D property). This would provide an additional £2.838m funding.

Go to tinyurl.com/4u48npec to share your thoughts on the various options.

PCC Jonathan Evison said: “Police officer numbers remain at their highest since 2008.

“We are continuing to see strong performance in crime detection, and we have a continued focus on supporting victims of crime. The Humberside Police Force Control Room is leading the way nationally in responding to the public by phone and online.

“When I set the budget with the Chief Constable last year, several pledges were made including a renewed focus on visible policing and ensuring a long-term commitment to having an enhanced policing presence in coastal areas at peak times through Operation Coastline.

“There were also commitments made to challenge the force to further streamline day to day processes and build a drone capability to enhance the effectiveness of the force. The force will deliver on all of these commitments in year, which was reported to the Police and Crime Panel earlier this month.

“For the next financial year 2026/27, the Government announcement assumes an increase in precept of £15 for the force to receive the full budget. All properties paying a council tax will be charged, but the amounts below show the average payments based on a Band D property.

“Whilst I appreciate any increase is always unwelcome, I have a responsibility to ensure the best achievable position for our communities."