Warwickshire Police Authority Special Meeting

Warwickshire Police Authority will hold a special meeting next week to update members of the latest developments concerning the force’s 2008/09 budget.

Last week, the Authority was notified by the Government that the budget, which was agreed by members at a full Police Authority meeting in February, could be capped. At this meeting the Police Authority increased its share of the Council Tax bill by 12.87%, above the Government's guideline increase of 5%.

Warwickshire Police Authority agreed to increase the police element of the 2008/09 council tax by 12.87% to further improve levels of protection for people who live, work and travel in the county. This increase equates to a total increase of £18.78 over the year for the average Band D household in Warwickshire, an extra £1.56 a month or 5p per day.

Police Authority Chair Phil Blundell said: "We are disappointed about the latest announcement by the Government. They have called our budget in to look at it in more detail and there is the possibility they may decide to place a cap on it.

“Over the coming weeks we shall be seeking to demonstrate to the Government that the budget we set is prudent and not profligate.

"We will now sit down with all members and discuss all the issues surrounding the potential of being capped and the implications this may have on this year’s budget.”

The public meeting will take place on Monday, April 7, starting at 10am, at Shire Hall, Warwick.

Notes to editors:

The discussions about the 2008/09 budget will be the first item on the agenda and will then be followed by a question and answer session for members of the press. If you intend to attend this meeting please contact Kate Sandall on 01926 415077.