Police Precept Consultation

2020-2021

Public Survey Results

January 2020

Report Author: Sarah Mahon (Engagement and Assurance Officer)

Analysis: Christina Phillips (Principal Analyst)

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Contents

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………3

2. Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………………….3

3. Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………….4

4. Summary of key findings…………………………………………………………………………..5

5. Findings of the survey……………………………………………………………………………….6

6. Police precept awareness………………………………………………………………………….6

7. Police precept contributions……………………………………………………………………..7

8. Policing priorities………………………………………………………………………………………9

9. Feedback on the service provided by South Wales Police………………………….10

10. Role of the Police and Crime Commissioner………………………………………………12

11. Social Media……………………………………………………………………………………………..13

12. Verbal feedback………………………………………………………………………………………..14

13. Demographics…………………………………………………………………………………………..14

14. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

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1. Introduction

The Police and Crime Commissioner has a responsibility under the Police Reform and Social

Responsibility Act to obtain the views of the public on matters relating to policing. This includes

consulting with residents in advance of setting the police precept level and allocating the police

budget.

To ensure the communities of South Wales were provided with an opportunity to share their

views on their policing priorities, including how much extra they would be willing to contribute

towards policing as part of their council tax for 2020/21, the Commissioner launched a public

consultation survey in Autumn 2019.

2. Methodology

The consultation commenced on Monday 4th November 2019 and ran for a five-week period,

closing on Monday 9th December. To coincide with the survey we developed a police precept

‘what you need to know’ leaflet outlining key information about the police precept, in order to

assist residents with making informed and intelligence-led decisions when completing the survey.

Online consultation

To ensure the survey was accessible, it was created digitally using Smart Survey with separate

links for English and Welsh versions. Paper copy versions were also made available in English and

Welsh upon request.

The survey was promoted via a range of online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

and the Commissioner’s website. The Commissioner’s team also worked closely with South Wales

Police to ensure coverage of the survey extended across their social media accounts, including

community-messaging platforms.

Face-to-face engagement

The survey was initially piloted by members of the Commissioner’s team at a face-to-face

engagement event in Cardiff Bay, as an opportunity to gauge initial feedback about the survey.

During the consultation period, face-to-face engagement events were also held across the South

Wales Police force area. These included:

• Asda Superstore, Cardiff Bay

• Morrison’s Supermarket, Barry

• Tesco Extra, Bridgend

• Tesco, Neath Abbey

• Sainsbury’s, Pontypridd

• Sainsbury’s, Swansea

Easy Read

An easy read version of the survey was also produced and shared with disability organisations to

increase participation from individuals with learning disabilities. It is worth noting that whilst 17

Easy Read surveys were completed via paper copy, a local advocacy service also held discussions

with 31 people about the survey. The outcome of these discussions are summarised in section 11

of report.

Page | 4

Stakeholder engagement

To increase the reach of the survey, the Commissioner’s team collaborated with a number of

stakeholders such as voluntary councils, business improvement districts, local authorities and

third-sector organisations. Working in partnership to promote the survey enabled the

Commissioner’s team to extend the reach of the survey and increase participation from residents

who may not have engaged with us otherwise.

Purdah

A General Election was announced at the time that the precept consultation was due to be

launched. It was agreed that the precept consultation would be regarded as ‘business as usual’

during purdah and would continue to be launched as planned. The Commissioner’s team took

great care to adhere to the purdah guidance during the consultation period, which meant that

the Commissioner was unable to promote the survey personally and two ‘community walkabouts’

were cancelled.

3. Analysis

Analysis of the survey results were undertaken by the Commissioner’s Principal Analyst. Where

percentages do not sum to 100% this is either down to rounding or multiple answers. Readers are

requested to note that the data is unweighted. It should also be noted that not every respondent

completed every question. Therefore, the results are based on the number of respondents to

individual questions.

The results have been analysed at a South Wales level and where relevant, results have been

broken down to local authority level.

Following this introduction, the report contains:

A summary of the key findings of the survey

More detailed commentary of the main findings

Demographic profile of the respondents

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4. Findings of the survey

There were 1073 responses to the survey from people who were aged 18 or over and living in the

South Wales area. 99.7% of the surveys were completed in English and (0.3%) completed in

Welsh.

The below table provides the breakdown of methods in which respondents completed the survey:

Method of completion

No of respondents

% of respondents

Online 926 86.3%

Face to face 130 12.1%

Easy Read 17 1.6%

Total 1073 100%

The below chart illustrates the percentage of respondents that resided in each local authority

area. Over a third of responses (36.1%) were from the Cardiff area. Merthyr Tydfil had the lowest

number of responses with 25 responses (2.3%).

5. Police Precept Awareness

In order to establish awareness of the police precept in South Wales, residents who paid council

tax were asked if they knew they were contributing towards policing as part of their council tax.

The survey revealed that the vast majority of residents (94.0%) said they were aware that they

contributed towards the police precept. Only 6.0% were not aware.

14.4%

36.1%

2.3%

12.7% 12.9%10.9% 10.7%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

Bridgend Cardiff Merthyr Tydfil Neath PortTalbot

RhonddaCynon Taf

Swansea Vale ofGlamorgan

Responses By Local Authority

155

387

25

136 138 117 115

Page | 7

Almost all residents living in the Vale of Glamorgan (99.1%) were aware that they were

contributing towards policing as part of their council tax.

6. Police Precept Contributions

To inform the Police and Crime Commissioner’s decision on setting the precept level for 2020/21,

residents who paid council tax were asked how much extra they would be willing to pay each

month towards their council tax to support policing in South Wales. Residents were provided with

a summary statement outlining the difference each amount would mean to the service.

Residents who were interested in taking part in the survey, but said that they did not pay council

tax, were still able to take part in the survey to ensure they had the opportunity to share their

feedback with us. All residents who stated that they did not pay council tax, bypassed the

precept contribution section of the survey. Of note, 1,018 residents said that they paid council

tax and responded to this question.

Overall, half of respondents (50%) said they were willing to pay £2 more per month, 14.3% were

willing to pay £1.50 more and 9% were willing to pay £1 more. Just over a quarter of residents

(27.4%) said they were not willing to pay any more per month.

92

.5% 96

.0%

95

.8%

91

.5%

91

.6%

93

.6% 9

9.1

%

86.0%

88.0%

90.0%

92.0%

94.0%

96.0%

98.0%

100.0%

Bridgend Cardiff MerthyrTydfil

Neath PortTalbot

RhonddaCynon Taf

Swansea Vale ofGlamorgan

Were you aware you were contributing towards policing as part of your council tax?

Yes No

(359)

(16)

(136)

(11)

(23)

(1)

(107)

(14) (11)

(120) (102)

(8)

(1)

(109)

No more27%

£1.00 more9%

£1.50 more14%

£2.00 more50%

How much more would you be prepared to pay per month towards your council tax to support policing in

South Wales?

(506)

(145)

(90)

(277)

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There was a higher level of residents in Cardiff and Swansea who were willing to pay £2 or more.

A third of residents in Merthyr Tydfil (33.3%) and over a third of residents in Rhondda Cynon Taf

(36.6%) said they were willing to pay no more towards their council tax to support policing in

South Wales.

The below table illustrates the responses for each local authority area:

For those that said they were willing to pay more per month, reasons given included:

29

.9%

22

.2%

33

.3%

29

.1%

36

.6%

25

.7%

29

.1%

10.2%

8.0%

8.3%11.1%

8.4%

10.1% 7.3%

22.4%

14.2%4.2%

12.8%8.4%

11.0%18.2%

37

.4%

55

.9%

54

.2%

50

.4%

46

.6%

54

.1%

45

.5%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

Bridgend Cardiff Merthyr Tydfil Neath PortTalbot

RhonddaCynon Taf

Swansea Vale ofGlamorgan

How much more would you be prepared to pay per month towards your council tax to support policing in South Wales?

No more £1.00 more £1.50 more £2.00 more

(44)

4

(15)

4

(33)

4

(55)

4

(83)

4

(30)

4

(53)

(209)

(8)

(2) (1)

(13)

(34)

(13)

(15)

(59)

(48)

(11)

(11)

(61)

(28)

(11)

(12)

(59)

(32)

(8)

(20)

(50)

Page | 9

Those that were not willing to pay any more said:

7. Policing Priorities

The Commissioner is responsible for setting the policing priorities for South Wales Police with an aim to cut crime and maintain an effective and efficient police service. In advance of the Commissioner reviewing his priorities for 2020/21, residents were asked what their policing priorities were in their local area. All residents were asked to rate their top 5 local policing priorities from a pre-defined list.

The top priorities are shown in the table below with the top 5 highlighted in blue. Almost three quarters (73.5%) of residents ranked Violent Crime (including knife crime) in their top 5 local priorities. Over six out of ten residents ranked Burglary (63.2%) and Anti-social behaviour (61.8%) in their top 5 local priorities. Slightly less than six out of ten residents (58.3%) ranked Drugs and Substance Misuse and 54.4% of residents ranked Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse as one of their top local priorities.

Ranking Priority No. of respondents who

ranked in top 5 % of respondents who

ranked in top 5

1 Violent Crime (including knife crime) 786 73.5%

2 Burglary and Theft 675 63.2%

3 Anti-Social Behaviour 661 61.8%

4 Drugs and Substance Misuse 623 58.3%

5 Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 582 54.4%

6 Serious and Organised Crime 527 49.3%

7 Domestic Abuse 346 32.3%

8 Counter Terrorism 318 29.7%

9 Hate Crime 234 21.9%

10 Fraud 165 15.4%

11 Stalking and Harassment 131 12.2%

Total 1068

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Of note, all participants who completed the Easy Read survey noted that hate crime was a policing

priority for them and suggested that ‘mate crime’ should also be considered as a stand-alone

priority.

The top 5 priorities broken down by each local authority area are illustrated below:

8. Feedback on the service provided by South Wales Police

Engaging with and seeking feedback from the community provides the Commissioner with a richer

picture of local concerns as well as positive feedback about the police. This enables him to better

undertake his duty to hold the force to account.

To gauge a balanced view, residents were asked to comment on what they think South Wales Police

do well and could do better. These comments have been coded into themes.

What South Wales Police do well?

One sixth of residents (15.6%) said that South Wales Police respond well to crime and incidents.

However, of concern, the second highest comment was that residents were unsure of what South

Wales Police does well (14.7%).

Other top responses included: Making the public feel reassured (13.7%), Community Engagement

(13.3%) and Policing Events (8.8%).

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The below table provides an overview of the themes highlighted from respondents:

What South Wales Police could do better?

Respondents were then asked what South Wales could do better. By far the highest response,

highlighted by four out of ten residents (38.8%), was “Local policing including increased visibility and

patrols.” Respondents specified that foot patrols (as opposed to vehicles) by police officers, rather

than PCSOs was preferable. However, residents recognised that this was difficult in today’s financial

climate with budget cuts and less police officers in the area.

This was evidenced further in the second highest response given “Efficient use of resources/ increase

in officers/ further training” (11.4%). Residents commented that they would like to see more police

officers, and those officers that are deployed into police staff roles to be redeployed back as

operational officers. In addition, residents stated that officers needed further training to deal

vulnerable people particularly those suffering with poor mental health.

Of note, 101/999 call waiting times was only highlighted by 23 respondents (2.8%).

The below table provides an overview of the themes highlighted from respondents:

What could South Wales Police do better? No. of respondents

% of respondents

Local policing including increased visibility and patrols 317 38.8%

Efficient use of resources/ Increase in officers/ Further training 93 11.4%

Responding to and investigating crime/incidents effectively 66 8.1%

Communication with public/victims 59 7.2%

Community engagement 37 4.5%

Tackling ASB 37 4.5%

What does South Wales Police do well No. of respondents % of respondents

Responding to Crime and Incidents 123 15.6%

Unsure 116 14.7%

Making the public feel reassured 108 13.7%

Community Engagement 105 13.3%

Policing Events 69 8.8%

Local policing including visibility & patrols 53 6.7%

Communication with the public/victims 48 6.1%

Reducing and Detecting Crime 45 5.7%

Provide a service with reduced budget 25 3.2%

Multi-Agency Work 16 2.0%

Dealing with Domestic Abuse 12 1.5%

Liaison with Schools 12 1.5%

Working to reduce drug-related crime and incidents 7 0.9%

Use of Technology 6 0.8%

Tackling ASB 3 0.4%

Other 39 5.0%

Total 787 100.0%

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Dealing with drug related crime/incidents 36 4.4%

Traffic enforcement 25 3.1%

Violence against women and girls 24 2.9%

101/999 call waiting times 23 2.8%

More manned police stations 18 2.2%

Bringing offenders to justice 14 1.7%

Other 68 8.3%

Grand Total 817

9. Role of the Police and Crime Commissioner

In order to understand the awareness levels amongst communities of the Police and Crime

Commissioner, residents were asked if they knew what the role and responsibilities of the

Commissioner were. Six out of ten (59.6%) residents said they were aware.

Residents were asked how they felt the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner could be better

communicated to the public. These were free text comments that have been summarised into

themes. Over a third of residents (36.3%) stated that they would like the role to be communicated via

social media, newsletters, media and posters. Whilst they appreciated that newsletters could be

expensive to produce, they would prefer a variety of methods used as it was highlighted that not

everyone has access to the Internet or uses social media.

In addition, almost three out of ten residents (29.5%) said they would like face-to-face engagement

from the Commissioner. Examples given included face-to-face public meetings, door knocking in

communities and attendance at community events.

Yes59.6%

No40.4%

Do you know what the role and responsibilities of the Police and Crime Commissioner are?

(637)

(431)

Page | 13

Of note, 11.8% of respondents said that the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner was not

required. Reasons included that the role was a waste of money and that the money would be better

spent on policing. This suggests that residents do not understand the role of the Commissioner, which

is further evidenced by 6.7% of residents saying that they would like further information on what the

role of the Police and Crime Commissioner is. In addition, 6.5% of residents asked for regular reports

on what has been achieved against the Police and Crime Commissioner’s priorities.

10. Social Media

Residents were asked if they follow the Commissioner or South Wales Police on any of the social media

channels. A significantly higher proportion of respondents said that they followed South Wales Police

– 52.3% in comparison to only 12.9% of residents who follow the Commissioner on social media.

52.3%

12.9%

47.7%

87.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

South Wales Police Police & Crime Commissioner

Do you follow the Commissioner or South Wales Police on any of our social media channels?

Yes No

124

36.3%

29.5%

11.8%

6.7%

6.5%

5.8%

1.8%

1.6%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0% 40.0%

Communication with public through social media/newsletters/ media

Face to Face Engagement

Role is not required

Information needed on what the role of theCommissioner involves

Regular reporting against the Police & CrimeCommissioner's priorities

Other

Engagement with schools

Engagement with Minority/ Hard to reach groups

How do you feel the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner could be better communicated to the public?

244

198

79

45

44

39

12

11

(550)

(501)

(136)

(915)

Page | 14

11. Verbal Feedback

A total of 31 people took part in discussions with an Advocacy service who provide support to

adults with learning difficulties. Most felt that an increase towards the precept was acceptable if

they could see more actual police work being achieved. All 31 people felt that ‘mate crime’ should

have been included either as a separate issue or linked with fraud and possibly other crimes

involving social media. As many adults with learning difficulties are victims of ‘mate crime’, they

felt that the absence of this suggested that they weren’t considered important as members of

society.

In general, everyone felt that contact with South Wales Police on a face-to-face level was good.

Police officers were polite and treated people with respect. However, many felt that it was a

different experience when trying to contact officers via the telephone. Many said that they had

been made to feel like they were pestering them.

The majority of people said that they had never heard of the Police and Crime Commissioner

before and suggested that attending support/community groups would help promote the purpose

of the role.

12. Demographics

In order to help us understand the communities we were reaching, residents were asked to

provide anonymous information about themselves, however, responding to these questions

were not mandatory.

The demographic breakdown of our respondents are outlined below:

Age Number %

16-24 36 3.4%

25-34 132 12.3%

35-44 175 16.3%

45-54 221 20.6%

55-64 195 18.2%

65-74 209 19.5%

75+ 80 7.5%

Unknown 25 2.3%

Grand Total 1073 100.0%

Gender Total %

Male 468 43.6%

Female 547 51.0%

Non Binary 3 0.3%

Other 2 0.2%

Prefer not to say 32 3.0%

Unknown 21 2.0%

Grand Total 1073 100.0%

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Sexual Orientation Total %

Bisexual 27 2.5%

Gay or Lesbian 30 2.8%

Heterosexual 876 81.6%

Other 19 1.8%

Prefer not to say 88 8.2%

Unknown 33 3.1%

Grand Total 1073 100.0%

Gender same as birth Total %

Yes 1006 94%

No 13 1%

Unknown 54 5%

Grand Total 1073 100%

Religion Total %

Buddhist 10 0.9%

Christian 499 46.5%

Hindu 5 0.5%

Jewish 4 0.4%

Muslim 13 1.2%

Sikh 3 0.3%

None 371 34.6%

Prefer not to say 100 9.3%

Other 32 3.0%

Unknown 36 3.4%

Grand Total 1073 100.0%

Ethnicity Ethnicity Number % %

Asian or Asian British

Bangladeshi 1 0.1%

1.2% Indian 4 0.4%

Pakistani 5 0.5%

Any other Asian background 3 0.3%

Black or Black British

African 5 0.5%

0.5% Caribbean 0 0.0%

Any other black background 0 0.0%

Mixed

White and Black African 2 0.2%

1.1% White and Asian 4 0.4%

White and Black Caribbean 0 0.0%

Any other mixed background 6 0.6%

White

British 505 47.1%

89.8%

Irish 8 0.7%

Gypsy, Roma, Traveller 1 0.1%

Welsh 427 39.8%

Other 23 2.1%

Page | 16

Disability Total %

Yes 208 19.4%

No 792 73.8%

Prefer not to say 48 4.5%

Unknown 25 2.3%

Grand Total 1073 100.0%

Disability described Total %

Hearing 29 13.9%

Mobility 83 39.7%

Mental Health Condition 32 15.3%

Learning Difficulty 21 10.0%

Visual 1 0.5%

Other 42 20.2%

Total 208 100.0%

13. Conclusion

The information gathered and the open and honest feedback received via the police precept

consultation will assist the Commissioner in his decision-making when setting the precept level for

2020/21. Once the Commissioner has come to a decision, he will present his proposals to the Police

and Crime Panel in January 2020. The Police and Crime Panel are responsible for holding the Police

and Crime Commissioner to account.

Feedback gathered in relation to local policing priorities and the service provided by South Wales

Police will support with informing the refresh of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan and the

Commissioner’s scrutiny programme.

Suggestions gathered in relation to how the role and the work of the Commissioner could be better

communicated, has provided us with a useful evidence base and will be used to inform the

Commissioner’s ‘Engagement Strategy’ for 2020/21.

We would like to thank all the participants who took part in our 2020/21 police precept survey.

Other Ethnic Group Chinese 1 0.1%

0.4% Any other Ethnic Group 3 0.3%

Prefer not to say/ Undisclosed

I do not wish to disclose my ethnic origin 26 2.4% 7.0%

Unknown 49 4.6%

Grand Total 1073 100.0%