Caddington

Caddington ward covers the six parishes of Hyde, Slip End, Caddington, Kensworth, Whipsnade & Studham
Individual parish council websites (where available) can be reached by clicking on the names aboves.

Friday 13 March 2015

Police precept increase

There has been some confusion as to the timing of this increase; I do not intend to explore the arguments for and against the increase here, this note is just to try and explain  the billing arrangements.

The Police set their own precept but the local authorities actually collect it, hence it is shown as a separate line item on your council tax bill.  For Bedfordshire Police, the collection will be via Central Beds, Luton Borough or Bedford Borough according to where you live.

The Police & Crime Commissioner has put forward two budgets, one reflecting a 15.8% increase (which triggers a referendum) and one reflecting a 1.99% increase (which does not).

The Council Tax bills currently being delivered and which form the basis for the amounts collected from you starting April are based upon the first, larger budget.  You will therefore pay the increased amount in April and May ahead of the referendum actually taking place.

If the referendum delivers a yes vote and approves the increase, then the billing continues unchanged.  If the referendum delivers a no vote then the first budget can no longer be used and the second automatically takes its place.  Council tax bills will be reissued and your remaining payments for 2015/16 will recognise the increased amounts already paid in April and May, with subsequent payments reduced accordingly.

These arrangements have followed on from government regulations, they were not the decision of either the Police & Crime Commissioner or the local authorities.

The above note is given in good faith to try and explain the situation - it does not purport to be definitive legal advice and does not constitute a statement on behalf of Beds Police or any local authority.

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