Oxfordshire residents urged to comment on policing budget
Residents across Thames Valley have until noon tomorrow (January 3) to have their say
People across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to participate in a local crime survey to share their views on the priorities for the 2025/26 policing budget.
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley, is seeking public input to help shape decisions about how the policing element of council tax will be allocated.
The survey must be completed by 12pm (noon) on Friday, 3rd January 2025 to have a say on the upcoming budget. Responses will help inform the PCC’s plans before the final budget is set by the end of January 2025.
Mr. Barber explained the importance of public participation: "As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to ensure that Thames Valley Police has sufficient resources to effectively prevent and investigate crime, support victims and protect communities.
"Setting the policing budget remains a complex process of balancing priorities and I am acutely aware of financial pressures households are under. This year, I will be setting the budget, including determining the policing element of council tax, following central Government funding decisions that are set to affect employers up and down the country.
"I have already written to Government about reviewing the police funding formula. As a result of Government changes to the rate and threshold of Employers National Insurance Contributions and the police officer pay rise over the summer, tax payers will already see an additional financial pressure of £3.6m due to a shortfall in funding.
"This is before the usual pressures of inflation, the need to invest in new technology and respond to changes in crime trends. Regardless, residents rightly expect an exceptional service from their police force, and I want to develop greater capacity and capability to further cut crime. I want to ensure that the policing budget can support this, deliver value for money and address the concerns and priorities of our communities.
"By sharing your views, you will help shape important decisions about police funding and how Thames Valley Police can continue to work to keep our communities safe."
For the 2024/25 financial year, an increase in council tax of 25p per week for a Band D property helped deliver initiatives such as:
- The recruitment of 150 additional police officers.
- Programmes to tackle knife crime and retail crime.
- Continued investment in forensic improvements and a Thames Valley-wide CCTV partnership.
- Road safety initiatives, including the launch of a new Road Safety Strategy.
The results of the survey will inform how funds are allocated in areas such as crime prevention, victim support, and new technology investments.
The online survey is available at https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90503915/OPCC-public-consultation and via the PCC’s website. Public meetings, where the policing budget is discussed, are also open to residents, with meeting details available on the PCC’s website.
Although the survey will remain open beyond the January 3rd deadline for ongoing feedback, submissions made before noon on that day will specifically influence the 2025/26 budget.
Residents are encouraged to seize this opportunity to share their priorities and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the future of local policing.