Council tax police precept to rise above inflation

The portion of council tax that goes towards policing in West Yorkshire will increase by nearly 6% from April, it has been confirmed.

The 5.7% hike in what is known as the police precept was approved by the county's police and crime panel on Friday.

It equates to an extra £10 a year for households living in a Band A property, £11.67 for those in Band B and £13.33 for those in Band C.

Although the rise was above the rate of inflation, which currently stands at 3.4%, West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said the move would "significantly cut" the police force's funding gap and would strengthen front-line policing in the county.

Main council tax bills are themselves likely to increase in April, although the exact amount is still to be determined as West Yorkshire's five local authorities are yet to set their budgets for the 2026-27 financial year.

A report which went before the cross-party police and crime panel, which is made up of councillors from across West Yorkshire, said that 57% of residents of the 3,474 people who responded to a public consultation into the precept rise had backed it at the level proposed.

The remaining 43% were all against it, according to the report.

Band A properties in West Yorkshire currently pay just over £175 a year for the precept, with Band B households paying £204 and Band C paying £234.

The level rises in line with council tax bands all the way up to Band H, which is the most expensive.

Speaking after the rise was agreed, West Yorkshire Chief Constable Sir John Robins said: "This will help us close the financial gap and maintain front-line policing.

"This increase in precept is essential to help sustain core policing services to the public of West Yorkshire."

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