THE Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has launched his annual consultation on the budget for West Midlands Police.
The 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 plans to increase to Council Tax by up to £13.95 per year, for a Band D property.
He is also asking people living and working in the region to offer their view on what level of investment in policing they would like to see made.
The PCC says if the increase goes ahead then many of the rising policing costs next year can be met and that funding will be invested directly towards retaining police officers and police staff and preventing and tackling crime to keep people, families, businesses and communities safe and secure, despite the WMP budget remaining under pressure.
However, without that increase in the police part of council tax, he say West Midlands Police might be forced to close police buildings, reduce staffing in the 999 and 101 call handling centre or reduce the number of police cars.
Mr Foster, said: “I am committed to continuing to re-build community policing, to prevent and tackle crime, to keep people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.
“However, I am seeking the views of the public before deciding on the best course of action. I am keen to hear to what extent people want to see investment in their police force or further cuts to their police force.
“These decisions require careful consideration. Deciding on the appropriate precept level is always a challenging process, particularly in recent years where I have had to strike a balance between unprecedented financial challenges and ensuring the appropriate level of policing service that our communities are entitled to.
“I would encourage everybody in the West Midlands, if you work, live or study in the region to please respond to this public engagement.”
The deadline to fill out the questionnaire is January 29.
For more visit the PCC’s website.
