Force could cut 150 staff jobs despite tax rise

John Campion said West Mercia Police was facing a number of financial challenges

West Mercia Police could cut 150 staff jobs despite a potential council tax rise.

The area's Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion wants to increase its council tax precept by almost 5% for the next financial year.

But, said Mr Campion, "the force is facing challenges as a result of inflation and other financial pressures that the central government fund isn't meeting".

West Mercia Police has confirmed any jobs lost would be civilian roles rather than police officers. The Home Office said it had increased overall funding for the policing system.

'Unavoidable' reductions

The rise would see people living in an average Band D property pay an extra £14 a year.

The force's council tax precept was already increased by 4.91% this year, adding £13 onto household bills.

But Mr Campion said the force was facing a number of financial challenges, including a £4.2m National Insurance (NI) bill following an increase in employer contributions, £12m to cover inflation, and nearly £7m to meet "additional demand".

In December, he warned that a council tax rise was unavoidable because government funding was not enough to cover rising costs.

"West Mercia Police will need to make unavoidable service reductions and changes in order to continue focusing on fighting crime and responding to emergencies," said Mr Campion.

"The decision to increase council tax is never one I want to take, but we are in a position where we sadly have no choice."

Temporary Chief Constable Richard Cooper said job cuts may be needed at West Mercia Police

Temporary Chief Constable Richard Cooper described the proposed job cuts as a "difficult decision".

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to respond swiftly to emergencies, investigate crime effectively, be visible in communities, and focus on the issues that matter most to people across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire," he said.

Mr Campion is due to present his budget plans for the next financial year to West Mercia's Police and Crime Panel on 5 February.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "We are ensuring police have the funding to keep our communities safe and deliver on our Safer Streets Mission, with an extra 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, community support officers and special constables, all of whom will play a vital role in bringing visible policing to our streets.

"West Mercia Police's funding will be up to £316.3 million in 2025-26, an increase of £18 million compared to 2024-25."