AS your police and crime commissioner, my role is not only to represent the people of Avon and Somerset locally but also to ensure your voices are heard at a national level.
I am the bridge between residents and decision-makers, championing the issues that matter most to you.
I use what I hear from people daily to shape what I do, and the actions I take.
I’m guided by the determination to bring about changes that benefit the people I’ve been elected to represent.
It is part of my job to share the key concerns that people bring to my attention, issues affecting so many lives including serious youth violence, police visibility, crime reporting, community safety, and the underlying causes of crime.
During January, I took part in a Home Office roundtable on tech-enabled violence against women and girls.
This is something that people across all our areas are affected by. Technology has introduced new challenges in tackling abuse, and harassment, but it also offers opportunities for prevention and support.
With key stakeholders, including ministers Jess Phillips and Alex Davies-Jones, we explored the complexities of the issues and the solutions that government can deliver.
To be able to deliver against the priorities you’ve told me are most important, I’m responsible for setting the amount of money you contribute to local police services through your council tax bill each year.
This is known as the ‘Police Precept’. It accounts for 43% of the funding that Avon and Somerset police rely on, with the rest coming from central government.
I confirmed an increase of £14 more per year for the average Band D household at a meeting on February 4.
I know the cost of living is a concern for many, and I did not take this decision lightly.
I must make sure our police service has the resources to continue tackling crime, keeping communities safe, and improving trust and confidence in policing.
The extra funding will support Avon and Somerset Police to keep delivering neighbourhood policing and other services, while progressing work on priority areas like tackling serious violence and violence against women and girls, and investing in ways to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.
Through everything I do, my focus remains clear: I will make sure the voices and experiences of the people who live in Avon and Somerset will influence and shape national conversations around policing and crime.
Together, we can drive meaningful changes that create safer communities for everyone.
You can read the five priorities the public told me are most important in my Police and Crime Plan on my website at tinyurl.com/2zxte625.