A council tax increase on second homes will finance police patrols in Devon and Cornwall, enhancing safety in popular tourist spots.
Devon: So, there’s some big news about council tax for holiday homes in Devon and Cornwall. They’re planning to raise it, and the extra cash will go towards boosting police patrols in these touristy areas.
Starting in April 2025, the council tax on second homes is set to double. This move is expected to bring in an extra £6 million, which will help fund more police presence and community safety measures like CCTV.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez is pretty excited about this. She mentioned that the funds could help get officers out from behind desks and onto the streets, which is a win for everyone. With so many holiday homes around, this decision is a big deal for local law enforcement.
Hernandez also talked about using some of the money to expand the Street Focus initiative, which aims to tackle issues like antisocial behavior and drug-related crimes. Last year, officers conducted over 13,000 foot patrols and made 70 arrests as part of this program.
She believes that when people see officers in their neighborhoods, it boosts their confidence in the police. Plus, she wants to invest in safety measures like more CCTV, night buses, and street marshals. However, not everyone is on board with the tax hike. Some locals think the money should go towards housing improvements instead.
Overall, the police budget for Devon and Cornwall is set to increase significantly, with a portion of council tax payments going directly to policing. Local councils are gearing up to implement a 100% council tax premium on second homes starting in April 2025, as part of a broader initiative to improve community safety.
