16 January 2025

Last chance to have your say on police budget

There’s one week left for people to have their say online about changes to police funding in West Yorkshire.

A survey was launched last month encouraging people to share their views on proposals to increase the local 'police precept' for 2025/26.

The deadline for responses has now been extended until January 22nd to allow more people to have their opinions heard.

The police precept is the part of people’s council tax bill that helps to fund policing in the county.

West Yorkshire Police currently has the sixth lowest precept level in England and Wales. This is despite having the fourth largest force.

An increase would equate to between an extra 18p and 24p per week for the majority of the county’s households who are in Council Tax Bands A to C. 

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, said:

"More than a decade of austerity has left us facing difficult financial pressures and West Yorkshire Police currently has a funding gap of over £17m.

"An increase to the precept will help to close that gap, putting us closer to a financial position which will maintain the police service we need to keep our communities safe."

The survey is open until Wednesday, January 22nd. There are also opportunities to share your thoughts in person.

To find out more information and complete the survey, visit the Your Voice website.

A recommendation for the precept level will go before the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel for approval in early February 2025.