Crucial investment delivered for policing in West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire's policing budget for 2026/27 has been set, ensuring vital investment to help West Yorkshire Police deliver on its priority to keep the region safe. 

Plans to increase the police precept - the section on council tax bills which funds policing - were supported by members of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel on Friday, February 6.   

This will result in a very small increase, following an extensive public consultation, which saw the decision supported by the majority of people (57%) responding. Around 80% of the region's taxpayers live in households that are bands A, B, and C, which will see an increase of between 19 pence and 26 pence per week.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:

“People told us that they value the work of West Yorkshire Police, want to see more visible policing in their communities, and support further investment. 

“This increase to the police precept will significantly cut West Yorkshire Police’s funding gap, moving us towards a stronger financial position.  

“I appreciate the public’s support for strengthening frontline policing, as it helps us continue working together toward a safer and fairer West Yorkshire.”   

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Sir John Robins QPM DL said:

“I am grateful to the Police and Crime Panel for supporting the Mayor’s decision on this necessary increase in precept funding. This will help us close the financial gap and maintain frontline policing.  

“This increase in precept is essential to help sustain core policing services to the public of West Yorkshire.” 

Chair of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel Councillor 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.  But we also know that our communities want to see investment in policing, so that they continue to feel safe in their neighbourhoods.

"Panel members took the opportunity today to explore the background and reasons behind the Mayor’s precept proposal, and felt assured that she had considered all options and balanced these against the need to maintain and support existing policing services.  

"As a result, the Panel members unanimously supported the Mayor’s proposal for increased funding for the police through the precept element of the council tax.  The Panel will now continue to hold the Mayor to account for the delivery of her Police and Crime Plan, ensuring that there is a focus on the issues that matter to the people of West Yorkshire.”

West Yorkshire continues to have the fourth lowest Police Band D precept level in England and Wales.  

Today’s announcement enables the ongoing delivery of the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan for 2024-28, which sets out joint ambitions and priorities for policing and community safety.