Police council tax going up by average of £14 a year in Shropshire

West Mercia Police and Crime Panel has backed a budget request from the region's police and crime commissioner, John Campion.

The plans will see the police element of a council tax bill rise by an average of £14 across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire for 2025/26.

The panel's decision came after Mr Campion presented his plan for policing and victim services.

 Mr Campion has previously spoken of his concern at "financial challenges" for West Mercia Police in the wake of the government's settlement in December.

He has also raised worries over 'a lack of clarity in how some of that funding can be spent'.

Speaking following the decision to back his budget Mr Campion said: “I am working through my long-term plan to improve how safe our communities are and feel.

"Crime continues to fall, but not everyone in West Mercia feels the benefit of that.

"I will therefore continue to ensure our communities’ additional hard-earned money will be directed towards what matters most to them.

"We have faced some unavoidable and unpalatable decisions; however, the public have remained at the heart.

"Together the Chief Constable and I have ensured that efficiencies, and tough choices, are being made and we are delivering on the communities’ priorities.

"I am grateful to the councillors, who make up the panel, for their support and it will enable me to finalise the budget and ensure the force and victim services, across West Mercia, are set up to deliver for our communities.”