Police and Crime Commissioner sets council tax precept

18th February 2020

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has agreed a rise in the council tax policing precept of 6.82 per cent for 2020/21.

From April 2020 the average household in Gwent will pay £1.45 extra per month for its policing service.

The decision follows a robust financial case put forward by Gwent Police and an extensive 13-week programme of public engagement with residents across Gwent.

The Commissioner also took into consideration a recommendation from the Gwent Police and Crime Panel to keep costs as low as possible for residents.

Jeff Cuthbert said: “I want to reassure residents that this decision was not taken lightly.

“As well as the financial case put forward by Gwent Police and recommendations from the Gwent Police and Crime Panel, my office also carried out extensive engagement across Gwent, ensuring that as many people as possible had an opportunity to share their views.

“More than 66 per cent of respondents indicated they were content to support a council tax rise of up to £2, and I am pleased that I have been able to keep the figure below £1.50.

“I am reassured that the extra funding will allow Gwent Police to maintain its previous investment in recruitment, and in priority areas such as neighbourhood policing, child protection, domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault, hate crime, and serious and organised crime.

“I would like to thank everyone that took the time to share their views and to the Police and Crime Panel for their continued scrutiny and support.”

Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “I am grateful for the support that the Gwent Police and Crime Panel and the residents of Gwent have shown in agreeing this funding increase. We will continue our focus on building safer communities and making sure that Gwent residents are confident that we will be there when they most need us.”