Following the recent rural crime meeting Richard hosted in Old Warden in January, Richard wrote to John Tizard, the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to ask for details of the projected budget for the coming year and any impact that the increases in pay settlements and national insurance contributions may have.
Richard Fuller said:
I am very grateful for the quick and detailed response from Mr. Tizard and it's good to see that government funding has increased by 6.6%.
Somewhat disappointing is the acknowledgement that some of the increase has been absorbed by the pay awards and employer national insurance rise, and also that cuts of £2.5m have had to be made despite raising the council tax precept to the maximum allowed. Nevertheless, I am reassured by Mr Tizard's undertaking that these cuts will not impact public-facing services and also his commitment to robustly assessing financial performance.
I look forward to continue to working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure best possible outcomes for the people of North Bedfordshire.
Richard's letter to the PCC can be read here. John's Tizard's reply can be read here. More information about the rural crime meeting can be read here.
