Final days to have your say on West Yorkshire Police’s 22/23 budget
A survey was launched earlier this month asking for views on 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 closes at midnight on Tuesday 25th January 2022.
20th January 2022
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire is urging everyone to take the final opportunity to have their say on the next police budget.
A survey was launched earlier this month asking for views on 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 closes at midnight on Tuesday 25th January 2022 and Tracy is asking as many people as possible to feedback - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/funding-our-police-2022.
The proposed increase means that most people would pay no more than an extra £8.89 a year (17.1 pence per week) as over 81% of properties in West Yorkshire fall within Council Tax Bands A, B and C. This equates to an extra £10 a year (19 pence per week) on a Band D property or an increase of 4.7%.
Tracy, said: “We’ve had a good response to the survey so far and some invaluable feedback, but with a decision that affects every council tax payer in West Yorkshire, I want to ensure I hear from as many people as possible.
“One of the key manifesto pledges I was elected on is to recruit 750 new frontline police officers and police staff over the next 3 years. Since becoming Mayor, I have been working hard with West Yorkshire Police and our partners to achieve this, however, this requires sustained investment.
“The recent funding announcement from the Government was disappointing and doesn’t provide the necessary level to cover recruitment costs. This money is meant to pay for 341 police officers which it fails to do.
“The last thing I want to do is pass the expense on to those already facing rises in the cost of living, but having recently undertaken one of the widest consultation exercises in West Yorkshire for the new Police and Plan, 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.
“Improving the safety of women and girls is also an absolutely crucial priority, which can’t be achieved without investment and will be central to my first Police and Crime Plan.
“Before I make a recommendation on your local police budget, I really would like to know what you think so please do get involved and complete the survey https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/funding-our-police-2022.”
If anyone would like the survey in a different format contact the Policing and Crime Team at on 0113 348 1740 or email policingandcrime@westyorks-ca.gov.uk.