As Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, I am working with our Mayor, Tracy Brabin who is responsible for setting the annual budget for West Yorkshire Police. This includes agreeing to the local ‘police precept’ – the part of the Council Tax that helps to fund local policing.

Every part of the country relies on funding gathered through Council Tax payments to support their local police force. The cost of the police precept in West Yorkshire is actually the fourth lowest in England and Wales, but it still provides 28% of West Yorkshire Police’s total net annual budget, with almost all of the remainder coming from central government funding.

I would like to ask you to be part of our consultation on the upcoming precept.  It has never been so important that we engage as widely as possible with all our communities across West Yorkshire. In particular, after reflecting on the latest census data and previous online precept consultation we would really want to encourage those under the age of 35 and those from Asian, Black, Mixed and Multiple ethnic groups to join us, although everyone is welcome.

I am holding a series of focus groups across West Yorkshire so we can fully understand your views and the reasons for them. We have a range of in-person groups with an additional online group (Monday 12 December, 3-4pm) for those who cannot attend in person. There will also be further opportunities to engage early in the new year and an online survey which will be available on our website from the middle of next week.

Details of the upcoming groups are shown below, places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis, and you must register via email in advance.

As you can see the group sessions will take no longer than 1 hour and as a thank you each representative who attends an in-person group will be given a £20 Love2Shop Gift Voucher. For more information on where the voucher can be spent, including food and Christmas gift outlets, please follow this link: Where To Spend Love2shop Gift Vouchers (highstreetvouchers.com)

Please contact the Engagement Team via email to register for online/in person: consultation.pc@westyorks-ca.gov.uk, you can also contact the team with any comments or questions.  Please also let us know if you have any special requirements on the day.

This is a great opportunity to have voice heard, please do get involved.

Leeds focus groups

Thursday 15 December 22

• 13.30 – 14.30- Hamara Centre, Tempest Rd, Leeds LS11 6RD
• 15.00 – 16.00- Committee room 2, Civic Hall, Calverley St, Leeds LS1 1UR

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime

West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Policing and Crime Department

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

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