Gwent Police Authority Agree Precept

Gwent Police Authority Chair Cilla Davies commented:

"The modest increase is necessary to ensure that the Force can continue to provide an effective, efficient and sustainable Police service for the residents of Gwent. The figure was agreed following extensive discussions with Authority Members over several months.

"One of the key reasons for the increase is that the funding Gwent Police receives from Government is being reduced by around 20% over the next four years. In reality the budget available to the Authority in 2014/15 will be very similar as that received in 2009/10.

"The Police Authority has listened and taken into account what residents are telling us, and whilst we are fully aware of the current financial challenges facing many households, we believe that today's announcement strikes a fair balance.

"In order to do more with less the Force is continuing to identify areas where we can save money by doing things differently, working in partnership and collaborating with other Force. We have set demanding goals for the Chief Officer team to ensure that the public receive the very best service that Gwent Police can provide."