Commissioner seeks input on police budget

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, has opened a channel for residents and business owners in Newtown to voice their opinions on the proposed policing budget for the upcoming fiscal year, 2024/25.

Police and Crime Commissioners play a pivotal role in determining the police precept, which is the amount contributed by local council taxpayers to support policing services in the region.

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As part of the public consultation, residents and business owners of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys are being asked if they think that Dyfed-Powys Police’s funding should be enhanced, increased, minimal, or frozen for the coming year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said:

“Deciding on the precept level is always a challenging process, particularly in recent years where I have had to balance between unprecedented financial challenges and ensuring an appropriate level of policing service that our communities expect."

“A Force Review was initiated last year to critically assess all areas of activity seeking efficiencies, cost savings and transformational opportunities. Significant progress has already been made by Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure that the Force operates as efficiently and effectively as possible, and this very much remains a focus."

“However, working efficiently and effectively, does not mean the Force can meet all the growing demands placed on it."

“The financial challenges faced are considerable.  High inflation, cost pressures along with requirements to provide critical infrastructure are compounded by the increased volume and complexity of crime and overall demands for police services."

“The public consultation process allows me to consider your thoughts on funding levels and feedback.  Over half of our policing budget comes through the policing precept, therefore it is very important for me to hear your views and I would be grateful to you for taking the time to complete this short consultation survey.”

The consultation period, spanning from November 3rd to December 17th, provides ample opportunity for residents and businesses to express their views and actively contribute to the decision-making process.

The public can engage in the consultation process by visiting the online survey at https://bit.ly/DyfedPowysPrecept24-25 or by scanning the QR code provided in the press release. Further information is available on the website, enabling the community to take an active role in shaping the region's policing budget for the year 2024/25.