BUDGET pressures are likely to lead to a rise in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s share of council tax, but questions were asked at a meeting on Tuesday about value for money.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall has got support for a proposed increase to his share of the council tax bill.

Roger Marshall, joint chief finance officer for Cumbria Police and the commissioner, set out the proposed council tax share at the meeting of the panel.

He said: “The precept proposal is for an increase to £9.99 for a Band D property so that’s going to the maximum amount which equates to an increase of 3.67 per cent.

“The precept increase last year was 2.6 per cent that was the second lowest of all forces and was half what the majority of forces actually levied.

“But we can’t continue to do that and I think it’s a reluctant decision from the commissioner but we need to protect police budgets.

“The overwhelming amount of our budget is spent on police pay – also on operational policing – and also it shows the funding is a combination of predominantly formula grant and council tax.

“So this council tax decision is really critical in funding those services.”

Cumbria Police’s role in COP26 and response to Appleby Horse Fair contributed to pressure on police budgets last year.

Members of the police and crime panel voted unanimously in favour of the proposal.

The PCC said: “I’d just like to express my gratitude for your comments. I’m grateful for the fact that the panel sees the need to work with us on this and it’s constructive for the county I think.”

But Allerdale Borough Council member for Cockermouth Alan Smith said: “Last year the police and crime commissioner asked for a 20 per cent rise for increased policing in Cumbria.

“Over the past three months in Allerdale, we’ve had an explosion of anti-social behaviour from juveniles.

"We’re now nicknamed Wild West Cumbria. We’ve had reports from other councillors in Maryport that the place is absolutely out of control. At the weekend there were seven boats set adrift in the harbour.

“Last year was a 20 per cent rise out of council tax. This year there’ll be another big rise when people are finding it hard. What they get for their money is anti-social behaviour at a high.”

Chief constable Michelle Skeer said that the figures had decreased by 21 per cent since last year. But she said she understood the frustrations and efforts were being made to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“What I would say is the PCSOs and officers are actually working really hard. In Workington there’s been 76 dispersal orders issued, there’s been arrest for public order damage and robbery. There’s been 15 stop searches. We’ve had five criminal behaviour order applications they’re currently being processed.”