COUNCIL tax will rise by 83p a month in a bid to improve policing across the Thames Valley.

Police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber set out his spending plans for Thames Valley Police (TVP), with the plans endorsed by the Police and Crime Panel.

The policing element of council tax will increase by 83p a month for a Band D property, seeing it set at £241.28.

The budget and medium-term plan will enable the development of a specialist rape and sexual offences team, improvements in forensics and recruitment of more officers.

Mr Barber said: “These plans don’t just strengthen the capabilities for the coming year but lay the foundations for investment for the medium-term to ensure that as police officer numbers continue to increase, the force is equipped to focus on the crimes that matter most to the public and deliver justice for victims.

“Recruitment of additional police officers continues and is accelerating with a further increase of 244 officers in 2022/23, including 13 for the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

“Beyond the national police uplift programme, I will seek to increase numbers to ensure the size of the force at least keeps pace with our population growth.

“I’m delighted to have been backed by the Police and Crime Panel with my budget proposal, which will have a direct and very positive impact on frontline policing in our area.

“In addition to the core policing budget, my work to reduce reoffending will improve the chances of those coming out of prison, as well as preventing more people from becoming victims in the future.

“This is part of my focus on crime prevention that also means a longer term partnership with local councils to help address anti-social behaviour across Thames Valley.”

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The budget will also allow a dedicated team to fast track cases and the introduction of a drugs task force.

John Campbell, chief constable for TVP, said: “The approved council tax police precept increase equates to less than 20p extra a week for an average Band D property, but as a total these additional funds will help in our priority areas, including tackling violence against women and girls, investigating the most serious crimes, such as murder, rape and kidnap, and enhancing our forensic capabilities that help to bring offenders to justice.

“I understand that with the cost of living increasing, these are tough times for households, so I want to thank residents for all this extra investment, which will help Thames Valley Police continue to keep our communities safe.”