AT LAST week’s Police and Crime Panel West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner has set out how he will continue to deliver his objectives after securing the amount the public will pay for policing through council tax.

The commissioner, John Campion, 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 commissioners should raise council tax to help fund policing, Mr Campion had no choice but to propose a 5.2 per cent increase.

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).

Mr Campion has consistently raised concerns about the Government mandating how policing is delivered, particularly around officer numbers.

But with that requirement now lifted, Mr Campion and the Chief Constable for West Mercia 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 but it will see an 11 per cent increase in neighbourhood policing.

Mr Campion said: “Receiving backing from the panel will allow us to progress 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 Chief Constable Richard Cooper 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.”