Have your say on tax hike to fund emergency crews

COMMISSIONER'S CONSULTATION AHEAD OF BUDGET SETTING

- By MAIL REPORTER

PEOPLE in Staffordshire are being asked whether they would support a small increase in council tax to help fund police and fire services.

Ben Adams, the county's commissioner for police, fire & rescue and crime, below, has launched a public consultation as he prepares to set budgets for the next financial year.

He said: "This is proving to be another challenging year for setting the budgets for our local police and fire and rescue services.

"Once again, government grant funding does not fully cover the increased cost of inflation, pay rises, or national policy decisions.

"The government talks publicly about increased 'spending power' for our emergency services, but unfortunately this relies on above inflation increases in local council tax.

"In recent years, you have supported small council tax increases. These increases amount to only a few pounds extra a year, but I remain very aware that everyday life is becoming more expensive.