The Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands has issued a stark warning that the region's force could be stripped of up to 80 police officers in 2026. This follows a government announcement revealing a significant funding shortfall for the area.
A £41 Million Blow to Police Budgets
Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, stated he is 'deeply concerned and frustrated' by the news of a projected £41 million funding gap. He described the situation as 'completely unacceptable to the people of the West Midlands'. This financial blow threatens to undermine recent progress in officer recruitment across the region.
Even before this latest announcement, West Midlands Police was already projected to have 520 fewer officers by April 2026 compared to its numbers in 2010. The new funding crisis could see that deficit balloon to approximately 600 officers.
Balancing the Books: Reserves and Council Tax
Finance teams within the force and the Commissioner's office are now urgently working to mitigate the impact. Proposed measures include:
- Using around £5.5 million from the force's financial reserves, money typically saved for emergencies.
- Identifying savings and efficiencies worth roughly £12 million.
However, Mr Foster has admitted these steps will not fully cover the multi-million pound gap. Consequently, he is already consulting the public on whether they would support a £15 annual increase in council tax for an average Band D property to help bridge the shortfall.
Community Safety Fears and a Plea to Government
The Commissioner's primary fear is that the cuts will directly impact frontline neighbourhood policing, reversing hard-won gains. 'This will be a real body blow to communities,' he said, emphasising that residents consistently demand more visible police presence to prevent crime and ensure safety.
Mr Foster highlighted a national contrast, noting that the vast majority of other police forces in England now have as many, or more, officers than they did in 2010. Meanwhile, the West Midlands faces a deepening shortfall.
In response, the Commissioner has written to the government, urging ministers to collaborate on finding a solution. 'I am calling on Ministers to work with us to find the much-needed funding that will fix this problem,' he stated, framing the issue as critical for regional security.
