Still time to have your say on police funding

There is still time for residents in Gwent to have their say on police funding for 2023/24.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, is asking residents for their views on police funding for the next financial year.

Almost 40 per cent of Gwent Police’s overall budget of £173 million now comes from local council taxpayers and Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for setting the amount residents pay each month.

Jeff Cuthbert said: “The current economic uncertainty in the UK, particularly in relation to funding for public services, means that the future financial position for policing remains uncertain and extremely challenging. Our financial modelling tells us that a rise in council tax of £25 per year, or £2.08 per month, for the average property is our best chance of attempting to maintain current service levels here in Gwent. Even with this increase there will be a significant deficit which will need to be balanced by efficiency savings.

“This is always a difficult decision to make and it is not one I take lightly. This year it is more difficult than ever and before I take a decision I want residents to have their say.”

Gwent Police has had significant ‘real term’ cuts in Government funding since 2010. It has had to make almost £52.8 million in savings and must save between £19.8 to £25.8 million by 2027.

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