A rise in council tax on second-homes in Devon and Cornwall is set to fund extra policing and patrols in the regions — however, some locals want it spent elsewhere
A rise in council tax on second-homes in Devon and Cornwall will be used to fund police patrols.
Funds raised by increasing council tax bills for second-home owners in the counties of Devon and Cornwall, are set to be used for extra police patrols in both counties. The force could receive an extra £6 million when local authorities in the two regions, double the council tax rates for holiday homes from April 2025.
The police and crime commissioner for the counties, Alison Hernandez, said that she was planning to use some of the money to increase patrols, install additional CCTV and get officers out of “backroom jobs” that could be done by others, reports The Guardian. Ms Hernandez shared: “With its high proportion of holiday properties, the force is one of the key beneficiaries of a decision by councils to double council tax rates for second homes.
“I may use some of the additional revenue to expand my Street Focus project and maintain high-visibility patrols in communities across Devon and Cornwall.”
The Street Focus project that Ms Hernandez refers to was a scheme that was piloted in Torquay, Devon, which aims to tackle antisocial behaviour and drug dealing. The police and crime commissioner added that 13,016 targeted foot patrols had taken place between May and November, in 2024, as a part of the project and that officers on these patrols made a total of 70 arrests.
“We know that when people see officers in their community and engage with them, their confidence in policing improves. I also plan to invest in keeping people safe with money set aside for additional CCTV, night buses and street marshals. And I want to use the funding to keep sworn officers out of back-office roles which can – and should – be done by civilians,” continued Ms Hernandez.
Questions over how the money raised by the increase in council tax bills have caused controversy in the regions. Whilst some residents wish for the money — which is expected to be around £25 million in Cornwall— to be spent on improving housing, Cornwall council is anticipated to use the funds to strengthen local services.
On the other hand, in Devon, some individuals have expressed concern that the money will be mainly spent on roads.
Devon and Cornwall require around £430 million for policing in 2025 to 2026, which is up from £406.5 million in 2024 to 2025. The funding comprises council tax precept payments and a government grant and in the current financial year, 12 per cent of council tax was given to the police.
Under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, local authorities are allowed to charge a premium on second homes. Cornwall Council and the different councils in Devon have largely agreed to charge an additional 100 per cent Council Tax premium on second homes from 1 April 2025.