The amount paid in council tax for policing across Avon and Somerset IS going up - an increase of six per cent - after it was approved by the crime panel.

Today, (February 1) the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel met to consider the Police and Crime Commissioner's proposed increase in the council tax precept - the money collected from council tax specifically for Policing.

The Panel was required to consider if an annual increase of £13 for an average Band D property was fair and appropriate.

The Panel had a difficult decision to make in deciding whether to approve the increase.

In a meeting lasting three hours, members had the opportunity to robustly scrutinise the proposed budget and how the funds would be spent.

Primarily, we want an outstanding police service for our residents and with this in mind we approved the requested increase of £13.00.

Panel members were mindful of the many financial challenges our many residents will face this year.

"Our approval is contingent on several concerns being addressed including evidence that the extra investment is making a tangible difference," said Councillor Heather Shearer, the Panel's Chair. 

Success will be judged on the information and assurances that are made available by the Commissioner and taken into account when the Panel meets to consider next year's proposal.

The Chair went on to say: "It is essential that the Panel and the public can accurately judge the Commissioner's performance against the priorities and objectives in his Police and Crime Plan.

""The additional investment from the precept increase has to deliver real improvements in the service available to local communities. We will continue to press for this assurance."

But this will still leave a projected deficit of £3.4million in the year 2023/24 and £7.10 million in the year 2024/25.

The Panel's statutory report and detailed reasoning for its decision will be available on its website here on 8th February 2024.