Merseyside Police Authority - Saving for the Future

Members of Merseyside Police Authority met for a Special Meeting today (Thursday) to set the budget for 2010/11.

They agreed that households on Merseyside will see a 4% rise in the policing element of their council tax bill - that's 1% less than last year's rise of 5% . For Band A properties, the majority of houses on Merseyside, this equates to a rise of £3.75 on the annual bill, an extra 7 pence a week.

The Government has awarded the Authority an increase of 2.6% in the annual settlement for this year. This was announced as a part of the 2009/10 settlement allowing the Authority to plan ahead with confidence in its aim to support the priorities and objectives of both the Authority and Merseyside Police for 2010/11.

In recent years the Authority, in partnership with the Chief Constable, has aspired to invest and develop the policing service on Merseyside and has achieved this by identifying ongoing savings and reinvesting in front line services. This means that Merseyside Police Authority has been able to put 480 more bobbies on the beat since 2006/07, including new police officers and those released from 'back office'duties.

This investment and investments into other priority areas such as anti-social behaviour has produced impressive results for Merseyside Police. So far in 2009/10 anti-social behaviour has fallen by another 7.5% following a fall of 19% in 2008/09. To date overall crime in 2009/10 is down 7% compared to the same time in 2008/09 and public confidence in Merseyside Police stands at 56%, one of the best results of any police force in the country.

However, in 2010/11 Merseyside Police Authority is facing an uncertain future. Although there have been no announcements made to date about the likely levels of settlements for 2011/12 and beyond, given the current economic climate it is clear that these will be very tight.

With this in mind, the Authority today discussed the potential shortfalls in years to come and agreed it would be prudent to start a process of saving for the future. Today Members of the Authority identified £10M of budget savings over the period 2010/13 which will form the bedrock of meeting the financial pressures that are likely to face the Authority from 2011/12 and beyond.

In addition, the budget approved today releases nearly £12M worth of efficiency gains, mostly in respect of additional police officer and staff time to support the Authority's strategic priorities and Policing Plan targets

Merseyside Police Authority Chief Executive and Treasurer, Paul Johnson, said:

'The crucial element of this budget is that it allows the Authority to plan ahead and I am confident we can balance the budget next year whilst continuing to deliver an improved service to the people of Merseyside. The medium term financial future is far less certain and so the Authority has today agreed to prepare a significant programme of budget reductions. The savings identified in today's budget will put us in the best possible position to protect the police service on Merseyside in the years to come.'

Chair of Merseyside Police Authority, Bill Weightman, said:

'Our communities on Merseyside are at the heart of all important decisions made by Merseyside Police Authority and today's budget is no different. This year we have taken a step to reduce the cost to the community for policing by setting a precept of 4% which still allows us to continue providing a quality service over the next financial year.

'When Merseyside Police Authority asks the public their views on policing we have been told again and again that people want to see more bobbies on the beat. Through good financial planning and management in recent years, this is something we have been able to deliver. This year we are able to protect the significant gains made in increasing police officer and PCSO numbers as well as protecting investments into other priorities suggested by members of the public such as anti-social behaviour.

'The financial future is uncertain but Merseyside Police Authority will do everything it can to protect what it has strived for which is ultimately huge reductions in crime and a significant increase in public confidence. Even when considering the most pessimistic financial outlook, Merseyside Police Authority will continue to put public opinion at the centre of decision making to ensure everything it does is on behalf of the people of Merseyside.'

Ends

For more information contact:

Jude Hackett Tel: 0151 285 5510 or Annette Edge 0151 285 5511

E-mail: jude.hackett@merseysidepoliceauthority.gov.uk or annette.edge@merseysidepoliceauthority.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. Merseyside Police Authority (MPA) is an independent organisation. It is responsible for working closely with Merseyside Police to maintain an efficient and effective police service for Merseyside.

2. The Chair of Merseyside Police Authority is Cllr Bill Weightman.

3. While the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police is responsible for the operational side of policing and the delivery of the Policing Plan, the Authority is responsible for working closely with the Chief Constable to produce the plan and approve the budget.

4. Merseyside Police Authority consults with, and listens to, the people of Merseyside. The Policing Plan places great emphasis on the views of the community.

5. The population of Merseyside is reflected in the makeup of the Authority. Members include:

• nine councillors from all five boroughs of Merseyside. Between them they represent all of the three main political parties;
• eight independent members. These posts are open to anyone living or working on Merseyside and must include one magistrate member.

6. For more information go to http://www.merseysidepoliceauthority.gov.uk/.