The Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has set out her police budget for 2025/2026.
Proposals to increase the police element of the council tax, known as the ‘police precept’, were approved by members of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel.
This equates to an extra 18 pence to 24 pence per week (£9 to £12 a year) for the majority of the region’s households who are in Council Tax Bands A to C.
This decision follows a consultation with the public where more than 58% supported the increase.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“People in West Yorkshire have told us that they want a well-funded visible police force.
“However, more than a decade of austerity has left West Yorkshire Police facing a funding gap of £17.4 million – meaning difficult decisions have to be made.
“We know that the cost of living is a challenge for many but the public have backed this small increase to the police precept to help maintain our police force and create a safer West Yorkshire.”
Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Eileen Taylor said:
“As Police and Crime Panel Members, we live and work within the communities of West Yorkshire, and understand the financial pressures that residents continue to feel. During discussions with the Mayor, Panel members felt assured that she understands these pressures and had balanced this against the need to maintain and support existing policing services.
“Our residents continue to tell us that keeping our neighbourhoods safe is a priority for them, and Panel agreed that although nobody wants to see tax increases, West Yorkshire Police need to be properly resourced to continue their work in this area.
“Having had the opportunity to understand and question her on her decision, the majority of Panel members supported the Mayor’s proposal for the increased funding for the police through the precept element of the council tax.
“As a Panel we will continue to scrutinise the Mayor’s commitments to deliver on policing and crime for the people of West Yorkshire and to ensure that there is a focus on the issues that matter to the public.”
