Thames Valley Police says it has increased its council tax precept so it can provide ‘strong local policing to keep streets safe’.
Along with councils and the fire service, the force can ask residents for a share of the tax to help fund its services.
This year, the increase is 6.22%, taking the Band D precept to £256.28.
Matthew Barber the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley said priorities this year include strengthening community policing to tackle neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour, developing a CCTV partnership, recruiting additional officers and utilising police volunteers such as Special Constables.
And Thames Valley Police aims to prevent crime by patrolling hotspots and tackling known offenders, reducing 101 call waiting times, and tackling cybercrime, child abuse and domestic violence.
Mr Barber said: “In setting this year’s budget for Thames Valley Police, I am acutely aware of the increasing cost of living impacting so many families locally.
“The police are not immune from rising costs and we see the impact of inflation, particularly in energy and fuel costs, despite increased funding from central government.
“This year’s policing budget will ensure that crimefighting remains at the heart of our mission to keep the public safe. The focus will be on delivering proactive community policing focussed on crime prevention to make every community even safer.”
John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police said the rise is minimal when considering the daily and weekly amounts.
“The approved council tax police precept increase equates to less than 29p extra a week for an average Band D property, but as a total these additional funds will help in our priority areas, including tackling violence against women and girls, investigating the most serious crimes, such as murder, rape and kidnap, and enhancing our forensic capabilities that help to bring offenders to justice,” he said.
“I understand that with the cost of living increasing, these are tough times for households, so I want to thank residents for all this extra investment, which will help Thames Valley Police continue to keep our communities safe.”
The council tax rise was approved by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel, comprising councillors from all councils in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
