Report by Local Democracy Reporter – Nigel Slater
The East Midlands Mayor has backed a rise in council tax bills for a role labelled a ‘failed experiment’.
Taxpayers in Derby and across Derbyshire are set to face increased council tax bills from April – with the precept of the Police and Crime Commissioner going up.
Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts was elected as the county’s commissioner in 2024. Her role requires holding Derbyshire police to account and to deliver “a more effective” policing service.
But in November the Home Office announced the role of Police and Crime Commissioners would be scrapped.
The Government said the system was not working and removing them “will cut the cost of unnecessary bureaucracy”.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.”
It was announced that reforms would allow regional Mayors to take on policing matters as part of their elected role.
The change is likely to come into effect in a couple of years – meaning the Commissioner role stays put for now.
Earlier this month the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner said there was “overwhelming” backing for an increase of £1.25 a month (for a Band D property) in support of local policing in her recent budget consultation.
Ms Ndiweni-Roberts said: “The public’s strong support for this increase highlights their understanding of the financial challenge we face, alongside the importance and desire to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.
“While we welcome some additional funding from the government, external pressures such as inflation are putting the quality of services at risk.”
On commissioners being scrapped, Ms Ndiweni- Roberts said in November: “It’s important that residents and businesses are aware that I will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf, delivering their priorities through my Police and Crime Plan and setting a budget in line with the mandate set.
“My office will continue to work with the force to run an effective and efficient service, whilst holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public.”
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward was asked whether it was right for taxpayers to pay higher fees partly towards a role described as a ‘failed experiment’.
Ms Ward said there was ‘evidence’ which showed people were happy to pay more money for the region’s ‘brilliant’ commissioners.
The Labour Mayor said: “The role has not been scrapped yet. Our two police and crime commissioners are doing a brilliant job and they’ve clearly got to continue doing that role.
“The Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner did a full consultation on this and she got over 70 percent of the responses saying they would be prepared to pay an extra £1.25 month to see services protected.
“She has already got that evidence (showing) that is of good value. There were 60 percent of people saying they would pay more (than the £1.25 increase). She’s done the job she is required to do.”
Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, Derbyshire’s police and crime commissioner. Image from Eddie Bisknell
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward. Image by LDRS.
