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31
Jan 2022
Police commissioner proposes £10 council tax hike
North Yorkshire’s police commissioner has proposed a £10 hike in the force’s share of council tax.
The proposal would see the rate increase to £281.06 from April this year.
Zoe Metcalfe, the Conservative police, fire and crime commissioner, is expected to agree the proposal at a meeting of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel on February 7.
A report due before the meeting said the increase would help the force hit targets for officer recruitment and pay as set by government.
It said:
Meanwhile, Ms Metcalfe will also propose a 1.98% increase in the fire service council tax precept - which would see bills rise to £75.61.
Planned council tax hikes 2022/23
- North Yorkshire County Council - £1,467 - 3.99% increase
- Harrogate Borough Council - £255.92 - 1.99% increase
- North Yorkshire Police - £281.06 - 3.69% increase
- North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue - £75.61 - 1.98% increase
The service is currently running at a £1 million deficit and can only hike its share of the rate by 1.99%, under government rules.
The commissioner’s office also warned councillors at a meeting earlier this month that the service faces borrowing up to £33 million after ministers abolished its capital grant.
Ms Metcalfe described the funding settlement for the fire service as “very unfair” and pledged to lobby government for more support.
Council tax hikes
Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner have all proposed increasing their share of council tax this year.
It means taxpayers across the district will face a bill of nearly £2,100 this year.
Local precepts for parish and town councils, such as Ripon City Council, will also be included on bills.
Final decisions on council tax rates from all public authorities will be made in February.
Read more:
- Harrogate council proposes 1.99% council tax rise in final ever budget
- In depth: Why Harrogate district residents can expect council tax rises
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