Local policing is funded largely by two sources – the Home Office and householders through a council tax element known as the police precept.
Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon sets the precept and would like to know what the public are happy to pay in 2016-17.
Now the Dyfed-Powys precept at council tax band D is £200.07. This helps deliver a 2015-16 police budget of £93.332m. Last April saw the precept fall by five per cent.
A public survey has been launched by Mr. Salmon. He said: “I want views on what precept level the public feel is appropriate for next year. I urge householders across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys to take part in my survey.
“We live in difficult economic times but all want to stay safe – and that means challenges for us all. Government funding for police forces continues to fall and one of my priorities here is to spend wisely.”
The quickfire poll can be completed quickly and anonymously online, by email and by mail. It’s available in English and Welsh.
It opened on November 12 and ends at midnight on January 8. The results will be collated and the precept will be issued in February after consideration by the Police and Crime Panel, the independent body which scrutinises Mr. Salmon’s work.
Survey questions
In your opinion, do you pay? Too much for the police, Too little for the police. About right for the police
In 2016-17 on which of these issues do you think the Commissioner should focus? (Tick up to three) business crime, care for crime victims, care for vulnerable people, community policing, crime against the person, local low-level crime and antisocial behaviour, online security, police response to crime reports, reoffending, road safety, serious crime, tackling drug abuse, visible policing.
The survey will be publicised on the website of the Commissioner’s Office, via the Office’s social media channels and in emails to partners.
Survey online: www.bit.ly/Precept1617