Mayoral milestone for frontline policing pledge

4th February 2022

The Mayor of West Yorkshire has today (04/02) set the Police budget for 2022/2023, outlining her continued commitment to her frontline policing pledge.

It will see additional investment directed towards the recruitment of 750 new police officers and police staff over the next 3 years.

After presenting details to members of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel earlier today, they agreed with the proposal.

The increase to the police element of the council tax means that most people would pay no more than an extra £8.89 a year (17 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 Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

“With the cost of living high on the agenda, it was incredibly important that this budget had a clear mandate from our communities.

“The positive response to my precept survey, coupled with the comprehensive feedback of our Police and Crime Plan consultation, has revealed a strong appetite for change. People want to feel safe in their communities.

“The vast majority of survey respondents were behind the continued efforts to secure extra police investment across West Yorkshire.

“Many also supported the increase to the police element of the council tax. A strong indicator of the importance attached to bolstering community safety.

“The recent Government funding announcement was never going to fulfil its promise of covering recruitment costs and I think people recognise this.

“By putting their faith in my pledge of 750 new frontline officers and staff over the next 3 years, we can make a significant difference to people’s lives.

“This investment will also contribute to improving safety for women and girls, which is another crucial priority which shone through during our extensive consultation.”

Chair of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal added:

“It has been an extremely hard decision for all the members on the Police and Crime Panel who recognise that this is an additional burden to Council Tax-payers of West Yorkshire and it was a decision that was not taken lightly.

“We understand that people are already experiencing an impact from the spiralling cost of living increase and other financial pressures, however, this has to be balanced with the need to keep the public safe and protect the most vulnerable at a time of further demand on police services.

“It is also important to ensure that the work that has been done to rebuild neighbourhood policing and to reduce crime in West Yorkshire can be sustained in future years.

“The Panel have been clear in their recommendations to the Mayor and the commitments required of her and will continue to scrutinise and challenge the Mayor for the spending agreed today as she delivers her new Police and Crime Plan.”