Surrey County Council's Conservative Group is strongly opposed to the Police and Crime Commissioner raising the policing element of the council tax Precept by 5.5% for 2021/22 at this current time.

COVID has had a huge impact on all of our residents and Surrey County Council and its partners have sought to provide support, financial security and certainty wherever possible through the pandemic. However, we’ve also recognised the challenges residents face and the financial impact of COVID. That is why we are not increasing Council Tax by the full amount allowed by Government.

The majority of the members on the Surrey Police and Crime panel who were present voted against the proposal, but the current Independent PCC decided to proceed anyway. It is a concern that the PCC’s suggested £15 increase is likely to place even greater financial pressure on our residents at an already challenging time and we ask him to review his decision.