Even though its own auditors have praised Surrey Police for 'providing excellent value for money to the taxpayer', the Government said that our budget for 2009/10 was too high and 'capped' the amount of money we raised via Council Tax by £1.6m, forcing us to return this money to the taxpayer. To do this, we had to produce new, slightly lower council tax bills (the reduction amounted to around £3.24 for a Band D property) and distribute them to every household in the county.
To return this £1.6m via these new bills cost us around £1.2m, which has had to be taken from this year's budget to pay for the new bills and the other costs associated with the rebilling process. The resulting reduction in our budget forced us to make further cuts in our officer & staff numbers.
We argued that the decision was nonsensical and compromised our ability to provide what local people tell us they want - excellent front-line policing in Surrey. For this reason, Surrey Police Authority, with the full support of the Chief Constable, mounted an energetic challenge to the Government's plans, ultimately taking Surrey's case to the High Court. During this campaign, we ran a petition which attracted more than 7,000 signatures in just a few weeks. We were supported by all of our local MPs, every Surrey council, local and national press and a range of Surrey dignitaries.
Unfortunately our appeal against the decision was unsuccessful. However, Surrey Police Authority continues to press for change to the way police authorities are funded and capping rules are applied to ensure a fairer deal for the Surrey taxpayer. Progress is being made and momentum is building for capping rules to be relaxed for Police Authorities - click here to read the latest report from the Home Affairs Committee which backs an end to capping.
You can follow the links below to read more about the capping process and the Authority's response to it.
Press Release: Surrey Police Authority reacts to capping announcement
Press Release: Surrey Police Authority to fight capping decision
Press Release: Authority Slams Government capping confirmation
Press Release: SPA Chairman calls for public support to fight capping decision
Press Release: Surrey's MPs take Police Authority case to Westminster
Press Release: Surrey community leaders petition Prime Minister to back Surrey Police over capping
Press Release: Police Authority approves reduced budget as judicial review application turned down
Surrey Police Authority Budget Factsheet - May 2009
Capping - A Technical Explanation and Timeline
Letter from Surrey Police Chief Constable Mark Rowley to Policing Minister Vernon Coaker MP
