East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, has expressed his concern over the cap on Surrey Police funding and the high cost attached to the rebilling of Council Tax following yesterday’s announcement by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Despite Surrey Police’s robust appeal against the cap, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, has chosen to press ahead, giving Surrey Police a maximum budget of £197, 206, 000 for 2009-10.

The cap aims to save the Surrey taxpayer £1.6 million, but Surrey Police estimate that the administrative costs attached to rebilling residents across the County could be as much as £1.2 million.

Mr Ainsworth commented:

“ Surrey’s unfair funding deal with central Government is long-established, and whilst this latest decision does not come as a shock, it is regrettable. If there was a fairer funding formula in the first place, Surrey Police would not need to rely so heavily on funding from Council Tax and we wouldn’t be in this mess.

“The Government’s aim in all this has apparently been to protect the Surrey taxpayer; in fact they have achieved the complete opposite. The administrative cost of rebilling residents across the County almost negates the point of the cap and leaves Surrey Police with an even more difficult job ahead.

“Protection from allegedly excessive council tax increases is one thing, but what about protection from crime?”

UPDATE

East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, has obtained figures from Surrey Police which provide a breakdown of the administrative costs for the rebilling of council tax following the Government’s decision to cap funding.

The figures, which are as yet unconfirmed, estimate that the cost of rebilling residents in Tandridge will be £139, 210; and a cost to Reigate and Banstead residents of £126, 900.

Mr Ainsworth said:

“These figures are alarming and highlight just how illogical the Government’s decision has been. They appear to be simply taking the money with hand and giving it back with the other. It would be far simpler – and far better for Surrey residents – if they just left the money where it is.”