Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is asking what your policing priorities are as part of a new consultation.

PCC David Keane has launched an online survey to obtain the views of Cheshire residents to find out your priorities for policing and community safety.

As well as asking what your top priority for Cheshire Police is, he also wants to know how safe you feel in your area and if you would support a £1.25 per month increase to the policing precept element of council tax to address increasing pressures on Cheshire Constabulary.

You can complete the online survey here.

The online consultation will be supported by virtual public engagement sessions that the Commissioner will hold with Chief Constable Darren Martland during the next three weeks.

They will provide residents with the opportunity to talk directly to the Commissioner and Chief Constable about their views on community safety issues and the precept.

They will take place on the following dates:

Tuesday 12 January, 6.30pm-8pm

Tuesday 19 January, 6.30pm-8pm

If you would like to attend one of the virtual sessions please email your name and address, the date of the session you'd like to attend and your question for the commissioner or chief constable to [email protected].

Registration for each session closes 24 hours before it takes place. The link to join the sessions will be emailed to those registered shortly before each session.

Questions can also be submitted by those unable to attend the sessions to [email protected] using the subject title 'question'.

The consultation has been launched following the release of the government's Provisional Police Funding Settlement which sets out local police budgets for the next financial year.

PCC David Keane said: "2020 was one of the most challenging years in living memory and I know that many of us are anxious about the future.

"The pandemic has shown us just how important policing and other key public services are when it comes to protecting our communities.

"Unfortunately, COVID-19 has also made the future financial position for policing even more challenging.

"Funding for Cheshire Police has been cut significantly by the government over the last decade. We have made more than £60 million of savings during this time, whilst striving to ensure this vital service remains effective.

"During this period, I've maintained my commitment to bring back real community policing to Cheshire.

"With the support of the public, I have been able to increase officer numbers to ensure every community in Cheshire has its own dedicated Police Constable and Police Community Support Officer.

"The funding referred to by the government is dependent on local residents paying more in council tax (£1.25 a month for the average Band D property) over the next year.

"The Chief Constable has confirmed that without this increase, Cheshire Police would be unable to maintain our existing level of service and that we would not be able to continue investing in a visible, truly local policing service that also addresses complex issues and serious and organised crime in our communities.

"As your voice in policing, I want to hear your views on this proposal and I want to know what your policing priorities are for the coming year.

"Please take the time to the complete the short survey and have your say."

The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 24 January 2021.