PCC John Campion said: “Today the government has announced its settlement for local authorities, which includes policing. I am pleased that, as a PCC, greater flexibility has been given around council tax increases during these challenging financial times. However, clarity is still needed on how much funding West Mercia will receive from the government following the Home Secretary’s announcement to invest more into policing.
“I have made it clear that the funding formula for police forces in the UK has not been fair. Many areas receive a greater government grant and pay less in council tax. Previously, West Mercia has not seen that. I am also clear that whilst the government grant may provide enough to cover the National Insurance bill and the pay award for police officers, it won’t address a number of competing pressures we continue to face. I will therefore continue to fight for our tax paying residents and maintain my commitment to only ask people to pay more when I have to.”