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Suffolk police chief warns of service cuts without 5% tax rise

News
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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore says police services could face cuts unless residents accept a 5.1% increase in the policing portion of council tax, as government funding falls short of meeting rising costs.

Why it matters: The proposed increase comes as Suffolk Police faces growing demands on its services while trying to maintain current policing levels across the county, but it comes just after Suffolk County Council also proposed a 5% council tax increase.

The big picture: The Police and Crime Commissioner has been given permission by the Policing Minister to raise the policing element of council tax by up to £14 per year for Band D properties in 2025/26.

Tim Passmore, Police & Crime Commissioner for Suffolk
Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore says police services could face cuts unless residents accept a 5.1% increase in the policing portion of council taxPCC

By the numbers:

  • 26.8p per week increase for Band D properties

  • 20.9p per week increase for Band B properties

What they're saying: While the PCC emphasises that savings and efficiencies are being made, he feels he has "no option" but to propose an increase.

"The government settlement for next year is nowhere near enough to maintain policing services," says Passmore. "Without the proposed increase, there is a significant risk of a reduction in service."

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton adds that the funding is essential as "demands on policing are growing ever more rapidly."

Details:

  • The public consultation runs until 9am on 30 January 2025

  • Residents can respond via an online survey or by post

  • The final proposal will be presented to the Police and Crime Panel on 31 January 2025

The bottom line: As Suffolk's population continues to grow and diversify, the force faces a choice between increased funding through council tax or potential service reductions. Residents now have the opportunity to share their views on the decision through the consultation process.

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One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

Feature
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere £40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for £4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, £4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the £2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around £4,000-£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcements capabilities etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around £500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter – one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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