05 December 2024

Your views on police budget

Residents are being given the chance to share their views on next year’s budget for West Yorkshire Police.

A survey has been launched about the level of the local 'police precept' for 2025/26 - the part of people’s Council Tax bill that helps to fund policing in the county.

Views are now being sought on an increase to this funding, which 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. 

Bills have been kept down in West Yorkshire, which despite having the fourth largest force, has the sixth lowest precept level in England and Wales.

Aside this backdrop, the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s pledge to increase officer and staff by 750 has still been surpassed, with a further 145 recruits over the last 3 years.

In March 2024, the Force had the country’s second fastest average answer time for 999 calls. Neighbourhood crime also continues to be a priority, with 12,000 fewer victims up to March 2024, compared to the previous 12 months.

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

“As we saw in the Autumn budget, the legacy of austerity has taken its toll and left in its wake some extremely difficult choices and financial pressures.

“Government cuts since 2010 mean West Yorkshire is one of only a few forces nationally to face reductions greater than 10% with a current funding gap of over £17m.

“The money raised through the precept will reduce this, putting us closer to a financial position, which will maintain the police service we need to keep our communities safe, just and inclusive.”

To complete the survey, visit the YourVoice website before midnight on 17th January 2025. There will also be an opportunity to share your thoughts on the precept in person and via online sessions. Details will be published on our website.

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