POLICE and crime commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer has welcomed the fact the Police and Crime Panel has supported his proposals to set his first budget.
This sets out how resources will be allocated to the constabulary to deliver the best possible policing in Cheshire.
Mr Dwyer said: “This means I can now start to deliver the commitments made in the plan and in my manifesto, upon which I was elected.”
The panel also approved his proposal to increase the council tax precept for policing by 1.99%, an average of 6p per week for a Band D property.
Mr Dwyer added: “The first promise that I will deliver will be a ‘root and branch’ review of efficiencies in the constabulary which, I hope, will identify more savings which can be reinvested in the front-line.
“Whilst my budget identifies the necessary £8.3m savings required this year, following a managed process of the reduction of 37 officers through retirement and leavers, the budget will allow for the recruitment of 21 new police officers.
“Police community support officer numbers will be maintained at 222 subject to partners continuing to fund them where applicable.
“Unfortunately, following a formal consultation process, the number of police staff posts will reduce by 35 during the year. This is a necessary saving required to close the gap in funding reductions.”
There are 23 other commissioners of the 41 elected last November who are also proposing council tax increases of 1.9% or greater.
