Staffordshire Police is looking to cut 80 non-officer jobs to save costs. This comes as residents face a proposed £14 increase in their annual policing council tax.
Staffordshire: The local police are in a bit of a pickle. They want to cut around 80 non-police officer jobs to save some cash. This is part of a bigger budget plan for 2025/26.
Residents might have to pay an extra £14 a year for policing. That’s about 27p a week. The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, says it’s necessary due to rising costs.
He mentioned that government funding just isn’t keeping up with inflation. So, tough choices are on the table. The budget aims to save £9.9 million, mostly by cutting vacant positions.
Adams is also looking to add 16 new police officers and invest in tech upgrades. But he’s aware that many folks don’t want to see their council tax go up.
In a recent consultation, many residents expressed mixed feelings. Some wanted no increase, while others were okay with a £14 hike. It’s clear that people want better policing but also want to keep costs down.
Adams is trying to balance these needs. He believes that if they don’t act now, future cuts could be even worse. The goal is to keep the community safe while managing the budget wisely.
With the government promising more funding for neighbourhood policing, there’s hope for better support. But for now, the focus is on making tough decisions to ensure Staffordshire Police can continue to serve the community effectively.
