DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a public consultation on police funding.

Local policing is funded from a Home Office grant, as well as contributions from the public via the Council Tax, known as the police precept.

In 2015/16, the police precept was cut by 5 per cent and frozen at that level for this current year 2016/17.

The average Band D Council Tax payer currently pays £200.07 per year and the forces current budget is £93.342m, with £43.330m of this coming from the police precept.

In launching the consultation for the 2017/18 police precept, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Decisions made in recent years have resulted in less money being available to deliver vital services for our communities, and with the continued threats of cuts from central government alongside the recently announced review of the funding formula it is a critical time for police funding.

“I firmly believe that the public should have a strong voice in the decision to make changes to the public’s contribution through the Council Tax and that once agreed, the impact is clearly explained.

“Funding decisions must be translated into impact on services, and if the budget is cut, the public must realise what might be lost. On the other hand, if the decision is to increase the contributions, it is important that the public feel that they are getting value for money and a tangible benefit from the increase. I look forward to hearing the public’s opinion on this critical issue”.

If the police precept aspect of the Council Tax Precept is increased by 2 per cent, a Band D householder would pay an additional £3.96 per year. Broken down, this would mean an extra 33p per month, or 8p a week.

If the police precept is increased by 2 per cent, Dyfed-Powys Police’s annual budget would increase by £1.211m.

The questions Mr Llywelyn would like to seek the public’s views on include asking if you think the police force receive enough funding, if you believe your household pays too much for the police and how you would you change this year’s police precept.

You can complete the survey by entering the following link into your web browser surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2BL6M9T

Alternatively, a paper copy can be requested from Mr Llywelyn’s office on 01267 226440 or opcc@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk.

The survey opened on November 21 and ends at midnight on Sunday, December 4.