Sadiq Khan has proposed an increase in council tax to fund extra resources for policing to tackle crimes such as phone thefts and boost police activities across London.
The Mayor is moving ahead with the tax hikes to boost police precept component set by local PCCs which is specifically earmarked to prevent local policing cuts.
The increase is about £15 extra per Band D household. Similar increases have been set elsewhere, where locals will pay more through council tax to support the police budget.
Police forces in England and Wales are funded through a combination of central government grants and the police precept, a portion of council tax set locally by Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).
Much of this increase came after central government funding wasn’t covering officer pay and other costs.
Rising costs, especially officer pay and inflation, plus ongoing demand for police services mean many forces are choosing to use their allowed council tax flexibility to boost local funding rather than cut services.
The Greater London Authority uses council tax income to fund the Metropolitan Police. Record investment plans include council tax-backed funding for policing and crime prevention.
These rises normally translate to a small weekly increase for most households (e.g., about £1–£1.25 per month for a Band D property) but generate substantial funds overall for local forces.
About the Author
