Council tax hike as police precept set for 9.45% rise

THOUSANDS of households across the North East are facing a hike of more than 9% in the portion of council tax bills which goes to the police.

- DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

Susan Dungworth

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Susan Dungworth has announced plans to raise the police precept in April.

An increase of 9.45% in the precept, charged to households across Northumberland and the five boroughs in Tyne and Wear, from April could be signed off by councillors today. It would amount to an extra £12.33 per year for Band A properties and £18.50 for those in Band D, which is the maximum “exceptional” amount allowed by the Home Office.

Mrs Dungworth said that, despite a national increase in police funding, Northumbria Police faced a “significant shortfall” due to the withdrawal of the Home Office overshoot grant and a redistribution of national funding.