TAXPAYERS in Worcestershire can expect to pay on average £14 more per year to fund improvements in policing and victim services.
The tax increase comes as West Mercia’s police and crime commissioner (PCC), John Campion, secures backing to increase the council tax element for policing for residents across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Councillors on the Police and Crime Panel agreed with the PCC’s proposals on Wednesday (February 5), as he also submitted his budget plans for 2025/26.
The PCC has, since the government’s settlement was announced in December, expressed concern around the financial challenges West Mercia Police will face as a result of government funding shortfalls and lack of clarity in how some of that funding can be spent.
PCC John Campion said: “I am working through my long-term plan to improve how safe our communities are and feel.
“Crime continues to fall, but not everyone in West Mercia feels the benefit of that.
“I will therefore continue to ensure our communities’ additional hard-earned money will be directed towards what matters most to them.
“We have faced some unavoidable and unpalatable decisions; however, the public have remained at the heart.
“Together the chief constable and I have ensured that efficiencies, and tough choices, are being made and we are delivering on the communities’ priorities.
“I am grateful to the councillors, who make up the panel, for their support and it will enable me to finalise the budget and ensure the force and victim services, across West Mercia, are set up to deliver for our communities.”
