PCC John Campion has reaffirmed his commitment to the communities of West Mercia as he secures support for the amount the public will pay for policing through council tax.
At today’s Police and Crime Panel (Friday 6th February), the PCC set out how he will continue to deliver his police and crime plan, improve the service the public receives, and address the ongoing financial challenges facing policing.
The PCC has highlighted that the central Government grant is falling short, failing to keep pace with rising demand and increasing police officer pay. As a result, and with the expectation that PCCs raise council tax to help fund policing, the PCC has had no choice but to propose a 5.2% increase.
The PCC has consistently raised concerns about the Government mandating how policing is delivered, particularly around officer numbers. With that requirement now lifted, the PCC and Chief Constable are able to use resources more flexibly to ensure officers are deployed where they are most effective. As part of that re-balancing, 17 police officer posts* will be removed. Officers currently in roles that are better suited to the skillset of police staff will move to frontline teams, which will see an 11% increase in neighbourhood policing.
PCC John Campion said: “Receiving backing from the panel today will allow the Chief Constable and I to progress with our plans to deliver efficient and effective policing in West Mercia.
“It is likely that further pressures will be felt in future years. Whilst locally we can play our part, the Government needs to recognise that central funding must keep up with the demand facing policing, rather than leaving taxpayers to cover the gap every year.
“Despite the financial challenges, I will work with the Chief Constable and support him to ensure resources are focused on providing the level of service the public would expect, whilst boosting neighbourhood policing.
“I remain committed to ensuring that the communities of West Mercia are kept safe and their police force is set up to deliver that.”
The total budget for policing in 2026/27 will be £328.5m. Council taxpayers will pay an extra £15 per year (average 29p per week).
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