Job cuts are possible at West Mercia Police despite planned council tax increases to address budget gaps.
The police budget for 2025/26 will be £302.4 million. Council tax will provide £139 million of that, but a budget gap of £5.1 million remains.
The police will try to minimize service impacts. They face tough choices about staff, and around 150 positions might disappear. They will change how policing works, with the goal to use resources efficiently.
They have made decisions to help the police. This ensures future success and community safety. Raising council tax was a difficult choice, but they feel they don’t have another option.
West Mercia Police share of council tax rose last year. It went up by 4.91 percent, and another similar rise could happen this April. Inflation affects them greatly, and central government funding is insufficient.
The police face some big challenges. West Mercia Police needs to change, and they must cut some services. This helps them focus on crime, with emergency response also a top priority.
A local MP talked about policing declines. He blamed 14 years of mismanagement by conservatives, and the government’s investment will restore neighborhood policing. West Mercia Police get a cash increase, and it is about 6.5 percent per year.
The MP believes they are helping prevent crime. They also want to protect communities, and restoring local policing takes time. This funding boost will improve police presence.