In the know

Would you pay a little extra to support one of the fastest-improving police forces in the country?

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, is urging residents to have their say in a short survey.

The Government expects Commissioners across the country to raise an additional £14 per household for policing through council tax contributions this financial year, equating to an extra £1.16 per month for a Band D property.

This part of council tax is known as the precept. Every pound of precept amounts to an extra half-a-million pounds in the policing budget.

Have your say here 

In the past 12 months, Surrey Police has more than doubled its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences being prosecuted. It has also made more than 2,500 additional arrests.

But Lisa said that to maintain this momentum, protect victims, and keep communities safe, the Force needs support.

“The progress we have seen over the past 12 months has been really impressive, and huge strides have been made in tackling those crimes important to our residents,” the Commissioner said.

“But we know there is still more to do to take the fight to criminals in Surrey.

“The reality is that the government settlement this year will not cover the increased costs we continue to face. The Force is making every effort to find efficiencies across the board, but they still must make in the region of £18m in savings over the next four years. 

“Our policing teams do a fantastic job keeping our communities safe. I want Surrey Police to build on the brilliant progress they have made over the last year and continue to tackle those issues that matter to you.”

For more information, to read frequently asked questions, or to read an open letter from the Commissioner, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/council-tax-2025/

The council tax survey will close at midnight on 1 February 2025.