South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has set out his ambition to deliver more visible policing, reduce neighbourhood crime, and crack down on antisocial behaviour through increased investment in local policing.
The Mayor is inviting residents across the region to share their views before he sets next year’s police precept – the portion of council tax that contributes to funding South Yorkshire Police.
Around three‑quarters of police and fire funding in the region comes from government grants, with the remainder raised through the council tax precept. Currently, the policing precept represents about 11% of the average council tax bill in South Yorkshire.
If the policing precept is increased in line with national government expectations, the typical annual rise would be:
- £15 per year (29p per week) for a Band D property
- £10 per year (19p per week) for a Band A property — the band in which 57% of South Yorkshire properties fall
This would give South Yorkshire Police a budget of £396.5 million in 2026–27, made up of £289.8 million from government funding and £106.7 million from the precept – an overall 4.7% increase (£17.8m) on the previous year’s settlement.
The Mayor has emphasised that extra funding means better policing, including safer communities, faster response times and better equipment for officers on the frontline.
Before any decision is made, the Mayor is seeking views from individuals and communities across the county. Feedback will help shape the proposal that will be submitted to the Police and Crime Panel in February 2026.
If the precept is raised by the maximum amount, the investment would support a comprehensive package of improvements aimed at making neighbourhoods safer:
Reducing neighbourhood crime
Targeting burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, theft and persistent antisocial behaviour.
Increasing visible policing
More patrols in town centres and high‑visibility policing to boost reassurance and response times.
Tackling youth antisocial behaviour
A combined approach of enforcement and education, focused on known hotspot areas.
Improving safety on public transport
Action against illegal e‑bikes and e‑scooters and measures to make journeys safer for commuters.
Addressing serious and violent crime
Stronger enforcement against drug‑related offences and violence, with a particular focus on protecting women and girls.
Investing in modern policing resources
Upgrades to vehicles, estates, and new technology – including AI‑enabled tools – to improve effectiveness and deliver a more resilient, modern police service.
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, commented:
“One of the most important jobs I have as South Yorkshire’s Mayor is to make sure South Yorkshire Police has the resources it needs to keep us and our communities safe. That means making sure our police are focused on the priorities we share, and that every pound is spent wisely to deliver on those priorities.
“I’ve heard what matters most: reducing neighbourhood crime, more visible policing on our streets, tackling antisocial behaviour and serious, violent crime, and making our transport network safer. A modest increase to the police precept would help the police to tackle those priorities.
“Every year, I have to make tough decisions about how we fund policing – balancing what our police need to do their job with the impact on household budgets. That’s why I want to hear from everyone across South Yorkshire before I set the precept that helps pay for our police.”
Image credit: iStock
