Council tax set to be hiked by £12 to help cash-strapped West Midlands Police
Council tax payers in the West Midlands are facing an extra £12-a-year added to their bills, under plans laid out by the region's police and crime commissioner.
David Jamieson wants to increase the policing precept by the maximum amount allowable by law, after it emerged that West Midlands Police would receive no extra funding from the Government next year.
The new £12 limit is up from the current rate of £5-a-year, and comes as crime levels in the region soar to unprecedented levels.
The Home Office announced that the force's central government grant – which currently stands at £524.4 million – will be frozen in 2018-19, meaning a real terms cut.
To make up the shortfall, ministers have allowed police and crime commissioners to increase council tax bills.
Mr Jamieson, who has launched a consultation over the issue, said a £12 spike in bills was 'the only option left' to protect services.
"The public have made it clear to me that despite Government cuts they want local neighbourhood policing to be protected," he said.
"I will do all I can to focus resources into that area.
"The Government have made it clear that to part cover their reduction in police funding they expect PCCs to increase council tax precept by the maximum amount.
"That would mean council tax increasing by £12 a year or a £1 a month for a Band D council taxpayer.
"A £12 increase on the policing precept in the West Midlands would still mean that local people are paying more than £50 less than neighbouring forces such as Staffordshire, West Mercia and Warwickshire.
"With the force still facing real terms cuts it is the only option left to protect services.
"Just to standstill West Midlands Police needs £22 million. I would much prefer Government gave us the funding we require, however this increase will enable me to continue with planned recruitment to stabilise officer numbers.
"Before I make my final decision on the local policing precept I want to hear the views of the public. Please get in touch and fill in our online survey."
A £12 increase will see the policing precept for a Band D property in the West Midlands rise to £128.55.
To complete the consultation, which runs until February 2, visit westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/
