HC Deb 19 January 2004 vol 416 c972W
19. Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on increases in police precept by local authorities in 2004–05. [148344]

Ms Blears

Police authority precepts are a matter for each police authority. We expect all police authorities to assess their local needs carefully, taking into account local views on service and budget levels. We also expect authorities to exercise restraint in setting budgets and precepts as the current trend in council tax increases is unsustainable.