RESIDENTS of Devon and Cornwall will pay an extra 1.99% towards keeping communities safe from April — that’s an average rise of 6.5p a week.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel has confirmed Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg’s policing budget for 2016-17.

It will mean an average increase of 6.5p per week (£3.37 a year) for a band D property.

’I am very pleased that the panel has supported my budget,’ said Mr Hogg. ’It will mean that we can offset a 0.6% reduction in Government funding.

’This increased revenue, raised locally, will cancel out the shortfall of around £1.8-million in government funding.

’In November the Government made the welcome decision to lessen the level of cuts the police face in coming years but that still left a  reduction in grant income of 0.6 per cent.

’In cash terms this is a cut of around £1-million next year but, with additional increased costs, the shortfall after tax base-changes is closer to £1.8-million — the revenue from an increased council tax will cancel that out.

’Just last week we saw that recorded crime continues to fall and I applaud all those officers and staff who have made this happen in the face of unprecedented cuts. But crime accounts for only 20 per cent of police work and the demand on services continues to grow.

’Efficiency and value for money remain at the heart of my financial plan and significant savings still need to be made. Since 2009 we have delivered over £58-million savings and an additional £13-million is still to be found over the next four years.

’The strategic alliance with Dorset police and ever greater collaboration with local partners and other blue light services will help meet this target.

’Work continues to identify further savings and target more funds at priority areas that are important to communities, but any fall in income has an obvious effect on the police’s ability to operate at the frontline and keep the people of Devon and Cornwall safe and secure.’