Number of police in West Mercia 'down for first time in a decade' as commissioner asks public for an increase in council tax
The number of police officers that patrol Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire has fallen for the first time in a decade, the region's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has said.
West Mercia PCC John Campion has blamed a shortfall in government funding, which he said will result in 2,500 police officers covering the West Mercia Police area in 2026/27 with 17 current police officer posts set to be axed.
The PCC is now asking for a 5.2 per cent rise in the police force's share of council tax (its precept) so that he can "continue to deliver his police and crime plan, improve the service the public receives, and address the ongoing financial challenges facing policing".
The total budget for West Mercia Police in 2026/27 will be £328.5 million, with council taxpayers asked to pay an extra £15 per year (an average 29p per week).
At the meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on Friday (February 6), the PCC said 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 PCCs raise council tax to help fund policing, the PCC said he "has had no choice" but to propose a 5.2 per cent increase.
The PCC said he has consistently raised concerns about the Government mandating how policing is delivered, particularly around officer numbers.
As part of a re-balancing, 17 police officer posts will be removed from West Mercia Police, the PCC said, but he added that officers currently in roles that are better suited to the skillset of police staff will move to frontline teams.
Mr Campion said: “Receiving backing from the panel today will allow the Chief Constable and I to progress with 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 the Chief Constable 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.”
