Local PCC Jeff Cuthbert last week asked for increased police funding to ‘reduce pressure’ on his force and the local community.

The Police and Crime Commissioner said that as he launched a public consultation asking locals where police should be putting their money.

After police budgets have been shredded by 40 per cent since government austerity kicked in during 2010/11, Mr. Cuthbert said ‘pressures on police time and resources’ were increasing.

“Whether it is from the increase in recorded crime, more complex crimes being committed or a greater need to safeguard the vulnerable in society, the police, more than ever, are being called on to respond,” he said.

“Our officers and staff are being stretched like never before. The current funding settlement for policing from the UK Government is insufficient to respond to current demand, let alone further increases.

“There is an expectation from the UK Government that PCCs will increase the precept locally to make up for the shortfall.”

The PCC said deep budget cuts had forced him to consult the public on what areas of policing they would like to see prioritised, and warned that an increase in the police precept could be an option.

“My priority remains to ensure that funding is invested directly into frontline policing in Gwent,” said Mr Cuthbert.

“I understand that nobody wants to pay more but we have little choice other than to turn to the local population for that input to ensure Gwent Police has the necessary funds to keep people safe,” he added.

“This is why I want to hear people’s thoughts and this is why I have launched the Have Your Say consultation.”

The survey is available at bit.ly/GwentPrecept18-19. Hard copies are available from [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Sunday January 2, 2018.

Hard copies should be sent by post, to: The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Police Headquarters, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 2XJ.