Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes, has agreed the policing budget for 2016/17 and the financial forecasts from 2017/18 to 2019/20.
This was announced at a meeting of his Executive Board today.
In setting the budget, the Commissioner has consulted with the public, taken advice from the Chief Constable and has received support from the Police and Crime Panel.
As a result, the policing part of the council tax precept will increase by £4.05 per annum for a band D property, and takes the total police element of the precept for band D to £216.63 per year.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “I welcome the fact that I have been able to set the policing budget for 2016/17, the next financial year.
“The budget was confirmed today at a meeting of my Executive Board following public consultation, advice from the Chief Constable and support from the Police and Crime Panel.
“I am pleased and proud that the increase in the policing part of the council tax precept has allowed police officers numbers to remain above 1,120 and Police Community Support Officers numbers to remain at 95 for another financial year.
"I have been able during my term of Office to maintain police officer numbers above 1,120 despite a number of financial challenges.
"I feel that it has been important to maintain visible policing in our communities as people tell me that this is what they want to see.
“This will be my final Budget that I set as Police and Crime Commissioner.
"There have been some difficult decisions over the last three and a half years and there may be some even more difficult challenges to come especially in connection with the future of the funding formula.
"However, I am leaving the budget in a strong position and it is as well placed as it can be for any future challenges.”
Temporary Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer said: “I am pleased that the police budget has now been set for the next financial year.
"The Constabulary continues to face major financial challenges and a lot of work is taking place to ensure we can continue to provide a viable independent police force.
“We will continue to seek ways in which we can increase our efficiency in order to protect the people of Cumbria and provide them with the best possible policing service.”