Crime chief to face supermarket shoppers' council tax questions
RESIDENTS are invited to a special event at the Christchurch Waitrose supermarket to air their views on being asked to pay extra for new Dorset Police officers.
The Waitrose store at Bargates, off the Fountain Roundabout, is hosting the first of a series of county-wide roadshows as part of Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill’s consultation on the public paying £1.25 per month.
An increase in the precept – the part of a council tax bill that funds local police – has been proposed with the aim of delivering a “prudent” budget to ensure new officers can be recruited.
Mr Underhill, who recently announced he will be stepping down at the end of his second term this year, will be visiting several supermarkets across Dorset with his team of volunteers in the space of a week.
Other locations include Swanage, Bridport, Wareham and Sherborne.
The Christchurch roadshow is being held from 9.30am to 11.30am on Monday 6th January.
“It’s important I get as wide a range of views as possible and find out what the people of Dorset feel about these proposals,” Mr Underhill said.
“I’m asking everyone to take a couple of minutes to complete my survey online but we’re also going to be out and about to talk to people face-to-face.”
The consultation comes during an uncertain time for Dorset Police as its annual settlement from central government, which provides the bulk of funding for the force, has been delayed following the general election.
Mr Underhill continued: “Although this situation is far from ideal, it is essential I take a prudent approach and make sure the force is able to deliver a balanced budget.
“While of course I welcome recent announcements of extra police officers, I need to make sure the force can pay for them in the long term and that has also been taken into consideration.
“In order that the force can not only maintain its levels of service, but also enhance it with new officers, additional funding is required and – although I would love to be surprised – I fear this will not come from central government when the settlements are announced.”
Those unable to attend the events are invited to ask the commissioner questions online during a special webchat at www.dorsetpccwebchat.com from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Monday 13th January.
People are also invited to complete an online survey as part of the consultation by visiting www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GXTCML5.
