Council Tax could soar for many under proposed single police force

1.31.06pm GMT Mon 31st Oct 2005

The Government's rush to judgement over the future of the police in Wales could send council tax bills soaring across large parts of the country.

Figures revealed by Welsh Liberal Democrats today show that the annual cost of policing in different parts of the country varies by £38.50 in a Band D home. Any levelling off would hit many people already suffering with rises as a result of rebanding.

Mike German, Assembly leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "Charles Clarke and Peter Hain seem hell-bent on creating a single Welsh Police force in double quick time. But one look at the way each of the forces is funded shows they haven't thought it through.

"A single Welsh force - as advocated by Peter Hain - would need a single precept. Would it be as low as it is in South Wales? Or would it be as high as in North Wales? And if people in North Wales end up paying less - will they see fewer police officers on the streets? None of these questions has been considered.

"If these financial questions had been asked, surely someone in the Home Office would have realised that the Assembly and taxpayers, together pay half of Police funding in Wales. Normally, he who pays the piper, calls the tune. The people of Wales want to keep the Fab Four and they don't like Charles Clarke's version of 'Come Together'.

"The North Wales authority made a specific decision to charge more, and have more officers. That was a local decision, made by local people for the benefit of local people. They would not enjoy that freedom under Labour's centralising plans.

"Labour is carving a niche for reform without fore-thought. Rhodri Morgan has pioneered the approach with his maladroit muddling over the quangos. Now Clarke and Hain are following suit putting 'doing the deed' ahead of 'considering the need'."

Notes:

In 2005/6 the Band D Council tax police precept was:

£158.94 for N Wales

£143.10 for Dyfed Powys

£145.07 for Gwent

£120.4 for S Wales

On Wednesday, the Assembly's social justice committee will consider the issue for the first time.