Police Funding Formula Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Police Funding Formula

Marie Rimmer Excerpts
Monday 9th November 2015

(9 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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Not only will I commit to speaking to the excellent PCC in Sussex, Katy Bourne, but I left her 15 minutes ago.

Marie Rimmer Portrait Marie Rimmer (St Helens South and Whiston) (Lab)
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Will the Minister commit to give due consideration to low council tax base rate metropolitan districts? Across-the-board cuts have a devastating impact on areas such as Merseyside and other metropolitan districts. To make up the cut that was brought forward before, we would have to have a 24.9% increase in council tax. We collect about £500,00 for 1% council tax, whereas other areas collect about £2.5 million, so there is a different impact because of lower tax base rates. Will he give due consideration to that when reconsidering the formula?

Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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One issue that has been raised consistently by Members from across the House is the precept issue, which I believe is what the hon. Lady is alluding to. Although that is not in my hands, it is part of what we look at when we are doing the formula and as we go forward. In some parts of the country the precept forms a substantial part of the funding, whereas in others it does not. I promise the hon. Lady that I will keep a watch on that.