THE DEADLINE to have your say on plans to increase West Midlands Police’s precept on Council Tax is looming.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster is responsible for setting the budget for West Midlands Police, which receives the majority of its funding from central government grant, with the balance being met by way of the Council Tax police precept.
Mr Foster is asking for the views of the public on their main priorities and an increase to Council Tax by up to £15 per year, for a Band D property.
The PCC says the West Midlands Police Council Tax police precept is the second lowest in the country at £187.55, for a Band D property and remains at least £60.00 less than neighbouring Warwickshire Police, West Mercia and Staffordshire Police forces.
Mr Foster says an increase of £15 for the year 2023/24, for a Band D property, would mean West Midlands Police could continue to maintain and recruit officers to prevent and tackle crime, although the budget will remain under severe pressure.
Mr Foster is urging people to let him know of their main priorities when it comes to policing the region in order to keep people, their families and communities safe and secure.
He said: “It is vital that as many residents of the West Midlands as possible have their say during the budget consultation.
“It is deeply regrettable that the government is determined to pursue its strategy of requiring the people of the West Midlands to pay more local Council Tax, for less local policing – by effectively mandating an increase in the Council Tax policing precept, in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
“The government has provided us with a stark choice. Increase the Council Tax police precept or face yet further cuts to policing, that would see us lose the equivalent of 260 frontline officers.
“I would encourage everybody in the West Midlands, if you live, work or study in the region to respond to this consultation.”
For more or to have your say click here.
