Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire is urging local people to have their say on the police budget for 2022/23
The Survey - It asks whether they would support raising the police element of the local council tax, called the 'precept', to enable further recruitment of police officers and staff to keep communities safe.
The survey follows the recent Government annual funding settlement announcement for policing, which expects PCCs and Metro Mayors to raise further money locally through increasing their precepts.
The proposed increase is 4.7%. Over 81% of properties in West Yorkshire fall within Bands A, B and C meaning most people would not pay more than an extra £8.89 a year (17.1 pence per week). This equates to an extra £10 a year (19 pence per week) on a Band D property.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I am responsible for setting the annual budget for West Yorkshire Police. This includes agreeing the local 'precept' but before I do that, I really want to know what people think.
“The recent funding announcement from the Government was disappointing and in reality, an apparent £21.4m increase locally is forecast to equate to £7.9m when inflation, increases in staff pay and National Insurance costs are factored in.
“This money needs to pay for 341 police officers, so effectively gives West Yorkshire Police a mere £23.2k per officer, which doesn’t even cover starting salaries, let alone the cost of equipment and training.
“The way that Government funds police services means that without increasing the precept West Yorkshire Police would have to make significant savings which would result in a reduction of police services.
“We all want our police service to be funded properly, to help make West Yorkshire safe, just and inclusive. Whilst I will continue to press the Government for a better funding deal, work locally must continue.
“Having recently undertaken one of the widest consultation exercises in West Yorkshire, I know that there is a significant appetite for change across our communities and that keeping our places and people safe is a priority, as well as specifically increasing the number of police officers and staff, and improving the safety of women and girls.
“I know this is an especially difficult time for everyone so before I make a recommendation on your local police budget, I really would like to know what you think. Please do get involved and complete the survey https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/funding-our-police-2022.”
The budget survey closes at 5pm on Tuesday 25th January 2022.
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