Council tax will rise to fund West Mercia Police

Members of West Mercia's police and crime panel approved the two per cent increase in the police precept – the portion of council tax used to fund policing – during a meeting in Worcestershire yesterday.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore said the increase, equivalent to 1p a day for an average band D home, would allow the force to protect officer numbers and modernise the West Mercia force.

The total budget for 2016/17 in West Mercia will be £207.6 million, increased from £204.1 million in 2015/16.

But John Campion, who is standing for the Conservatives in this year's election to succeed Mr Longmore, said the increase was unnecessary and accused the commissioner of failing to reform the service.

He accused the commissioner of using a £600,000 reduction in the force's grant from central government to justify an increase worth £6 million.

But Mr Longmore, who will not seek a second term as commissioner, said the force would also need to find another £7.7 million to cope with rising costs in national insurance contributions, the Government's new apprentice levy and inflation.

He said: "It's clear, there are still significant pressures on police resources. The Government pledged to protect police funding in real terms. In reality, they have continued to make cuts to policing budgets, and they have left local taxpayers to pick up the pieces again."

"I feel freezing the precept would have been the popular but ultimately irresponsible choice."

Mr Longmore said the West Mercia force had absorbed £36.9 million in cuts since 2010.

"In spite of that, since I came to office in 2012 we have managed to put an extra 74 police officers on the streets," he added.

"I am pleased to have seen that progress, and I want to make sure that can be maintained for years to come."

Mr Longmore said the force would continue to look for future efficiencies, and a range of initiatives were planned, including a new computer system and more collaboration with other organisations.

He said the budget would maintain the present numbers of police officers and PCSOs, as well as a £1 million priority fund for tackling rural, business and cyber crime.

A £2.5 million scheme for the voluntary and community sector to help prevent and reduce crime would also be prioritised, Mr Longmore added.