County-wide consultation: are you prepared to pay more for policing in Sussex?

The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (SPCC) Katy Bourne has launched a county-wide consultation to ask residents if they will be willing to pay more for the policing in Sussex. 

The survey can be found online on the SPCC website. 

Katy Bourne has said, “I know that residents support Sussex Police in preparing for threats like terrorism and cyber crime but I’m also aware that issues closer to home, such as anti-social behaviour, are affecting local people.

“In previous years, the Chief Constable has asked for my help to raise more funds to invest in specific areas of policing, including public protection, community investigation and armed response. Thanks to the money you’ve already contributed through your council tax, Sussex Police has been able to build its capacity and capabilities in these areas, and others, to deliver a more effective and efficient service to the public. Now we need your help to sustain this service.”

“The Chief Constable and I are continuing to work together to drive further reform and substantial progress has already been made through collaboration with local and regional partners and through investment in mobile technology,” added Mrs Bourne.

“I want to help Sussex Police explore and identify all opportunities for investment. That is why I have carried out a review of the amount of money Sussex Police holds in its reserves and released £15m to reduce the impact of reductions in police officer numbers. I’ve done this because I recognise the scale of the impact that these changes are having on the police and the public, and I remain committed to investing in local policing.

“I am also seeking further sources of external funding, including contributions from new building developments that lead to increased demand on local services. I – and other Police & Crime Commissioners – continue to negotiate with the Government for more funding for policing, as well as asking for the removal of the current cap on the police precept.” 

You can find a link to the online survey, as well as further information, at www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/public-consultations