By KLTV Newsdesk –

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has outlined her police budget for 2025/2026, which will include a rise in council tax for certain households.

Police Precept Increase Approved

Members of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel have approved proposals to increase the police element of council tax, known as the ‘police precept’.

The decision, made today (7 February), means that the majority of households in Council Tax Bands A to C will pay an additional 18 to 24 pence per week.

This decision follows a public consultation in which more than 58% of respondents supported the increase.

Mayor: Public Want a Well-Funded Police Force

Mayor Tracy Brabin acknowledged the financial pressures on residents but stressed the importance of maintaining policing services in the region.

“People in West Yorkshire have told us that they want a well-funded visible police force,” she said.

“However, more than a decade of austerity has left West Yorkshire Police facing a funding gap of £17.4 million – meaning difficult decisions have to be made.

“We know that the cost of living is a challenge for many, but the public have backed this small increase to the police precept to help maintain our police force and create a safer West Yorkshire.”

Police and Crime Panel Voices Support

Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, Councillor Eileen Taylor, expressed confidence in the Mayor’s approach, balancing financial concerns with the need for effective policing.

“As Police and Crime Panel Members, we live and work within the communities of West Yorkshire and understand the financial pressures that residents continue to feel.

“During discussions with the Mayor, Panel members felt assured that she understands these pressures and had balanced this against the need to maintain and support existing policing services”.

Councillor Taylor emphasised that the panel agreed that West Yorkshire Police needs to be properly resourced to continue their work in the area.

“Having had the opportunity to understand and question her on her decision, the majority of Panel members supported the Mayor’s proposal for the increased funding for the police through the precept element of the council tax.” Taylor added.

“As a Panel, we will continue to scrutinise the Mayor’s commitments to deliver on policing and crime for the people of West Yorkshire and to ensure that there is a focus on the issues that matter to the public.”