DYFED-POWYS police (DPP) has accused the Home Office of “misleading the public” over grant funding.

After a delay, the Government’s provisional grant funding settlement has been announced.

The settlement sets out Dyfed-Powys Police’s financial position for 2019/20

On the face of it, it appears that Dyfed-Powys Police will have an increase in funding of £8.1 million in 2019/20.

However, DPP say this figure is based upon the presumption that Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn will increase the current Band D property precept level by £24 annually.

PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said: “The way in which the Home Office and Central Government are misleading the public is disgraceful and I am very disappointed in the way this settlement once again shifts the burden onto local tax payers.

“I continue to try and do the right thing to protect our communities, but I feel we are being let down by the Government in London as their actions are likely to impact on our local services.

“I am currently consulting with the residents of Dyfed-Powys; asking if they would be willing to pay additional police precept to continue to safeguard our communities.

The police precept is the amount you pay as part of your council tax and is used for local policing services. The average Band D property currently pays £224.56 a year.

“Within the survey I have outlined the impact of for Dyfed-Powys Police and its communities.

“My decision will be made by listening to local communities and the professional advice of the Chief Constable.”

“I am working closely with the Chief Constable to critically review all aspects of the budget requirement. Given the scale of financial challenges that are faced, a precept increase will be unavoidable, but how much this is increased by should not be dictated by Government.”

You can complete the survey by clicking on the following links:

Welsh - bit.ly/ymgynghoriadpraeseptheddlu

English - bit.ly/policepreceptconsultation

Alternatively, a paper copy can be requested from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office on 01267 226440 / opcc@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk

The survey ends on Sunday, January 6.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “This is a significant settlement that provides the most substantial police funding increase since 2010, which will result in up to £970m in additional resources for policing in 2019-20, including funding raised through council tax.

“This settlement will help police forces to meet the financial pressures they face next year, while also providing additional money for recruitment and neighbourhood policing, counter-terrorism, and fighting serious and organised crime.

“Dyfed-Powys Police funding will increase by around £8.1 m next year if the Police and Crime Commissioner uses their full council tax flexibility.”