Consultation launches on increase to police precept component of Council Tax

A public consultation has launched on increasing the police precept paid out of council tax to fund Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The consultation proposes using the additional funding collected from residents to set up dedicated Neighbourhood Crime Teams in each district across Greater Manchester to proactively tackle burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, respond to 101 and 999 calls faster and investigate crimes quicker.

The precept is the police element of council tax, and the consultation proposes a £1.25 per month increase for a Band D property. The current police precept for a Band D property is £228.30 per year. 44.7% of properties across Greater Manchester are in Band A, and will pay an additional 83 pence per month under the plans.

The increase in the police precept will help to meet the funding gap between GMP’s central government grant and necessary funds needed for the force to meet its priorities for the 2023/24 financial year. The 2022/23 financial year has helped fund significant improvements to GMP that saw it come out of HMICFRS special measures. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 

“What I’m asking local council taxpayers to do here is going to be tough amidst a cost of living crisis. It’s not something I want to do but it is the only way we can afford the quality of police service we need to keep us safe. The government has not given us an inflation-proofed police grant increase and that means, even if the police precept is set at the maximum allowed of £15 per year for a Band D property, GMP will still need to make efficiencies. Anything lower than that will mean real cuts to our police service and risks putting all the improvements GMP in reverse.

“All police forces in the country are facing the same challenges which is why most of the Police and Crime Commissioners are looking to do the same as I am. Keeping the public of Greater Manchester safe is my priority and it is vital that GMP have the resources they need to do that.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime and Criminal Justice, Kate Green, said: 

“We’ve listened to the public who have told us they want the police to be more visible in their neighbourhoods and to tackle the everyday crimes that blight communities. It’s therefore crucial that GMP has the officer numbers and other resources to enable them do the job you expect them to do. I hope that through this consultation process, the public will be supportive of our proposals.”

The public can respond to the police precept consultation online by Wednesday 25 January 2023. The final precept needs to be agreed by the Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel which is made up of councillors from each of the 10 councils and is chaired by a councillor.