KEIGHLEY people’s contribution to the cost of policing is set to increase.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), has warned of the rise as he launches a consultation on his 2019-20 budget.

He says he’ll have “little choice” but to up the policing element of the council tax.

In its annual police funding settlement, the Government has given PCCs flexibility to raise their precepts by up to £24 a year on a Band D property.

“Since 2010 we have faced budget cuts of over £140 million at a time when demand for policing and the complexity of work has significantly increased,” said Mr Burns-Williamson.

“Areas such as West Yorkshire have faced a greater proportion of their budgets being cut due to lower levels of council tax precept.

“Over the past two years I have started to help rebuild frontline policing with West Yorkshire Police through the support of local taxpayers, as the public has made clear to me that it wants this area of policing to be strengthened.”

He says more funding will be needed to enable the force to expand its capacity for tackling the likes of violent crime, human trafficking, cyber criminals, sexual exploitation and demands for safeguarding vulnerable people.

“The Government has made it clear that to meet increasing demands on policing and mitigate the impact of eight years of funding cuts, it expects PCCs to increase the police precept by the maximum amount which accounts for more than half of what was announced in the national policing settlement," he said.

“In West Yorkshire that would mean police council tax increasing by just under 50p a week for a Band D council tax payer, although in reality most people would pay less on average, with the majority – equating to over 70 per cent of properties – being in bands A to C.

“These increases would still mean that local people are paying less than in neighbouring forces, as we have the third-lowest police precept in England and Wales – at just £162.95 per year, for a Band D council tax payer.”

The increase for Band A householders would be 31p a week, Band B 36p and Band C 41p.

People are being urged to give their views as part of the consultation, which runs until January 16.

Mr Burns-Williamson added: “Before shaping my final proposal on the local policing precept and budget I want to hear the opinions of the public.

“I have therefore launched an online survey and a limited postal survey, which will form part of the regular planned Your Views feedback over the coming days and weeks.”

To complete the online survey, go to smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PreceptConsultation.