THE WEST Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has confirmed he will be investing a record £187.8million into policing in the West Midlands in 2026/2027.
This comes after Simon Foster’s budget and local council tax proposal was unanimously passed by the all-party Police and Crime Panel.
Mr Foster’s proposal to increase the police part of council tax by £1.25 per month or £15.00 a year, for a typical band D property. was unanimously approved.
This increase will take it to £244.50.
This will mean the total net revenue budget for West Midlands Police, including national grant, will amount to £860.6million.
The PCC is responsible for setting the budget and local council tax for West Midlands Police, which receives 80 per cent of its funding from a central government grant, whilst 20 per cent is funded via local council tax.
Each year, the PCC must set the police budget and council tax precept, balancing the need to invest in neighbourhood policing, preventing and tackling crime and keeping the people of the West Midlands safe and secure, with the pressures facing households during ongoing cost of living challenges.
Mr Foster said: “I am pleased to be investing a record level £187.8million into policing for the West Midlands.
“This is the total amount I have available to invest in the West Midlands Police budget for 2026/2027.
“In return for that investment, I will be holding West Midlands Police to account and working with the Acting Chief Constable to ensure that West Midlands Police does all within its power, to prevent and tackle crime, promote community safety and keep the people of the West Midlands safe and secure.
“For far too long, central government has failed to provide the police officers and investment that West Midlands Police needs.
“That is why we still have 520 fewer police officers and 500 fewer PCSOs than in 2010 and unfair funding that means £43million a year less than we are entitled to.
“I am committed to doing all within my power to ensure that West Midlands Police has the investment and resources it needs to prevent and tackle crime, promote community safety and keep the people of the West Midlands safe and secure.”
