Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner has increased the council tax precept for the police service by 7.6% for 2018/19.

The increase will mean an additional £12 for Band D properties and residents living in Band A and Band B properties in South Yorkshire will see their precept for policing increase by £8 and £9.33 respectively.

This equates to an increase of about 15p per week for the majority of South Yorkshire council tax payers who live in Band A properties, increasing their annual amount to £113.44.

The Commissioner’s decision follows consultations held in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield with residents.  The Commissioner’s Engagement Team spoke with 452 members of the public of which 80% agreed to an increase.

Dr Billings said: “The Government Spending Review and Autumn Statement, in December 2017, announced that South Yorkshire Police will receive central grant funding of £186.4m in 2018/19, which reflects central funding being maintained at the same level as last year, but only if the police precept part of the council tax is increased by £12 per year (or 23 pence per week) for Band D properties.

“After consultation with the public of South Yorkshire, we found that 80% of residents are happy to pay more, but only if there is a more visible presence of officers, improvements to 101 and a timely feedback to victims on reported incidents.

“Although this increase is again being passed on the taxpayer, it is not ideal, but the only way we can ensure that the police are equipped to serve the public of South Yorkshire.”

The South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel voted unanimously for the increase when the consultation was presented to them at a meeting on Friday, 2 February 2018.