Funds raised by increasing council tax bills for second-home owners in Cornwall and Devon are to be used to boost police patrols across the two counties.

Devon and Cornwall police could receive up to £6m when local authorities in their region double council tax rates for holiday homes from April.

The police and crime commissioner for the counties, Alison Hernandez, said she was planning to use some of the money to increase patrols, install additional CCTV and get officers out of “backroom jobs” that could be done by others.

Hernandez said: “With its high proportion of holiday properties, the force is one of the key beneficiaries of a decision by councils to double council tax rates for second homes.

“I may use some of the additional revenue to expand my Street Focus project and maintain high-visibility patrols in communities across Devon and Cornwall.”

The police and crime commissioner’s office believes the force is in line to receive approximately £6m.

The Street Focus scheme was piloted in Torquay and aims to tackle antisocial behaviour and drug dealing.

Hernandez said 13,016 targeted foot patrols took place between May and November 2024 as part of the project. Officers on these patrols made 70 arrests.

She said: “We know that when people see officers in their community and engage with them, their confidence in policing improves. I also plan to invest in keeping people safe with money set aside for additional CCTV, night buses and street marshals. And I want to use the funding to keep sworn officers out of back-office roles which can – and should – be done by civilians.”

The issue of how to spend the extra money raised by increasing council tax bills has been controversial. In Cornwall alone, about £25m is expected to be raised.

Some people want the money to be spent on improving housing for residents, but Cornwall council is expected to use it to bolster local services. In Devon, there is concern that much of it will be spent on roads.

About £430m is required for policing in Devon and Cornwall in 2025-26 – up from £406.5m for 2024-25. The funding comprises council tax precept payments and a government grant. In the current financial year, 12% of council tax went to the police.

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