West Midlands Police (WMP) is confronting a potential reduction of up to 80 officers in 2026 due to a newly revealed £41 million funding shortfall. The Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, expressed deep concern and frustration over the announcement, warning that it threatens the progress made in bolstering police numbers in the region.
Initially aware of a £27 million budget gap stemming from structural underfunding, Foster had collaborated with WMP to identify savings for the 2026/27 financial year. However, the financial outlook deteriorated before Christmas, as the anticipated deficit escalated to £41 million.
Since 2010, WMP has operated with 520 fewer officers, a figure projected to rise to 600 following the funding cuts. Finance teams from both the force and the Commissioner’s office are urgently working to balance budgets, but there is growing apprehension that neighbourhood policing—a critical community resource—may face significant reductions.
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To mitigate the shortfall, Foster has proposed a £15 annual increase in council tax on an average Band D property. Additionally, the force plans to draw £5.5 million from reserves and implement £12 million in savings and efficiency measures. Nonetheless, these efforts fall short of closing the entire funding gap.
Foster stated, “This news from the government is deeply troubling and unacceptable to the people of the West Midlands. After years of campaigning to rebuild neighbourhood policing and seeing promising recruitment gains, these proposed cuts risk reversing that progress. Communities rely heavily on visible, effective policing to prevent crime and ensure safety. I am appealing to government ministers to collaborate with us to secure the necessary funding.”
Unlike West Midlands Police, most other forces across the country maintain police officer numbers equal to or exceeding their 2010 levels, underscoring the severe impact of ongoing financial challenges in the region.