Public content to pay "a little more" for policing, says commissioner

Dr Alan Billings (pictured) consulted before Christmas over a rise in the police share of council tax from April.

The police and crime panel will vote soon the increase in the policing precept based on Dr Billings’ recommendations and public feedback.

Revealing that almost 3,000 people have had their say, Dr Billings added: “As far as the precept goes, the majority of people have said they are prepared to pay a little more for policing and a sizeable number have said they would be prepared to pay an increase in line with inflation. 

“This has come as a surprise to me, given the cost of living crisis, and it is different from the more negative response we had last year.

“This willingness to pay a little more indicates that people in South Yorkshire currently have confidence in the police; but if that confidence is to be maintained, it is vital that the public know it is not misplaced. 

“As it happens, there was an inspection of the force last year and the report from this PEEL inspection — police effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy — will be made known later this month. 

“If that is a good report, I shall have confidence in going to the police and crime panel and then the public to ask for some increase in precept.”