Cheshire police precept increase approved but PCSO jobs still cut

Plans for a 6.7 per cent rise in the police precept in Cheshire were finalized today, yet half of the police community support officer (PCSO) roles facing redundancy will still be lost.

The annual increase for the police element of council tax for a band D property, usually capped at £15, will rise to £18.30, equating to an additional £1.54 per month.

Police and crime commissioner Dan Price secured permission from the Home Office for an exceptional increase to help protect at-risk PCSO positions.

Due to a partial approval by the government, only 30 out of 60 threatened PCSO roles will be retained.

From April onwards, Cheshire will have 57 PCSOs compared to the current 87.

Price emphasized Cheshire's exceptionality in receiving a precept flexibility of £3.50 above the referendum limit.

His focus on band B bills, rather than band D, reflects Cheshire’s demographics, where two-thirds of homes fall within bands A-C.

Price stated that, following discussions with the chief constable, the funds will suffice to save 30 PCSO roles and result in £1.32 million savings from the redundancies.

Remaining PCSO functions will be filled by warranted officers from other teams within Cheshire Police.

The public consultation on the precept increase saw participation from over 6,000 residents, with 73 per cent supporting the hike and 57 per cent favoring more funds to save all threatened PCSO positions.

Cllr Mike Jones raised concerns about the details on officers’ redeployment, prompting Price to agree to provide further clarity.

The Cheshire Police and Crime Panel approved the precept increase with seven votes to one.

They also recommended ongoing updates from the commissioner on neighborhood policing changes and requested detailed accommodation costs for his office.

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