📢 Heads up, South Wales residents! Your police precept could see a rise! 🚔💸
Next year might bring a 6.99% increase in the policing precept for South Wales. If you’re living in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf or Vale of Glamorgan, expect to pay an extra £26.47 annually on a Band D property. That’s about £2.21 more each month.
Why the hike? South Wales Police has faced budget strains due to growing costs, despite already making £72m in savings since 2010. While a 7.13% rise was initially proposed, careful deliberation led to the slightly lower increase. However, this still leaves the force with a £280,000 gap to close.
Here’s how the proposed police budget for 2026/27 stacks up per area:
– Cardiff: £63.22m
– Swansea: £39.17m
– Bridgend: £22.6m
– Merthyr Tydfil: £7.68m
– Neath Port Talbot: £20.15m
– Rhondda Cynon Taf: £32.63m
– Vale of Glamorgan: £26.18m
The rise isn’t unique to South Wales; other Welsh forces like Gwent, Dyfed Powys, and North Wales are also considering increases of around 7%.
Your council tax band determines how much more you’ll pay:
– Band A: £270.09
– Band B: £315.11
– Band C: £360.12
– Band D: £405.14 (and so on…)
With financial management under scrutiny, efforts are being made to maximise productivity and keep officers on the front lines. The money collected through this precept is crucial for maintaining vital policing services, ensuring security across South Wales.
What do you think about the increase? 🤔💬 Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️