Council tax rise 'will only pay for police officers', chief pledges
A planned increase to council tax will only go towards the funding of 115 new police officers, West Mercia's police and crime commissioner has said.
John Campion said rural communities were being listened to, and that they would see some of the new officers if the proposed budget goes ahead.
The change would see council tax rise in Shropshire by an average of £1.60 per household.
But the increase would allow officer numbers across West Mercia to grow to about 2,150 – the highest level the force has seen since 2012.
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"I have been very clear with the public I want to spend their money as effectively as I can," Mr Campion said. "We are delivering on that. We also recognise the increased pressure.
"The council tax increase would literally pay for boots on the ground. People are not paying to fund the bureaucracy."
The 115 new officers are in addition to 100 announced earlier this year.
Mr Campion said West Mercia Police was currently coping with the levels it was under.
But increased numbers were needed to do everything the community wants.
"We're coping at the moment, doing the things we want to do," Mr Campion said.
"If we want to increase visibility, get ahead of things causing crime, that takes man power and officers. If we want to do the things our community wants, these extra officers are required."
Mr Campion said reaction to the potential council tax increase had been positive so far.
"I've been hearing consistently that people want that visibility. They feel it's stretched and the increase is making sure we meet that need.
"The public support the police, and I'll be getting all views from the community before making a decision in the New Year."
New central funding for West Mercia will mean the force gets a budget of £122.4 million next year – an increase of about £2.3 million over this year. The Home Office also now allows more flexibility in council tax funding, allowing Mr Campion to increase the precept.
A consultation on the draft budget has now started, and will close on January 20.
For further details visit westmercia-pcc.gov.uk
Across England and Wales police funding will potentially rise by £813m – with around £500m coming from council tax increases.
