Council tax rise considered as South Yorkshire Mayor asks public for views on police funding
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard is considering a rise in council tax to help fund policing - here’s how much bills could rise by, and how to have your say.
Residents are being asked for their views before the Mayor decides whether to increase the police precept – the portion of council tax used to fund South Yorkshire Police.
On this decision, Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I’ve heard what matters most: reducing neighbourhood crime, more visible policing on our streets, tackling anti-social 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.”
How does police funding work?
Police funding comes from a mix of government grants and council tax, with around three quarters provided by central government.
In South Yorkshire, the police precept currently makes up about 11 per cent of a typical council tax bill.
How much could council tax bills rise by?
If the precept is increased in line with government expectations, it would mean an extra £15 a year for a Band D household, or around 29p a week.
Band A properties would see a £10 annual rise, around 19p a week.
Most homes in South Yorkshire fall into Band A.
| Council Tax Band | Current Cost Per Year (£) | Annual Increase (£) | Per Week Increase (£) |
| A | 176.69 | £10.00 | £0.19 |
| B | 206.14 | £11.67 | £0.22 |
| C | 235.59 | £13.33 | £0.26 |
| D | 265.04 | £15.00 | £0.29 |
| E | 323.94 | £18.33 | £0.35 |
| F | 382.84 | £21.67 | £0.42 |
| G | 441.73 | £25.00 | £0.48 |
| H | 530.08 | £30.00 | £0.58 |
Under the proposal, South Yorkshire Police would receive £396.5 million next year.
This includes £289.8 million from the government and £106.7 million raised through council tax - a 4.7 per cent increase on last year.
The Mayor said the additional funding could help deliver safer neighbourhoods, more officers on the streets and quicker response times.
What would the extra money be spent on?
If the precept is raised by the maximum amount, SYMCA says the money would go towards:
- Reducing neighbourhood crime - tackling anti-social behaviour, burglary, robbery, vehicle crime and theft.
- Increasing visible policing - more patrols and high-visibility policing in town centres for reassurance and quicker responses.
- Targeting youth anti-social behaviour - combining enforcement with education in hotspot areas.
- Strengthening safety on transport networks - cracking down on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters and making journeys safer.
- Tackling serious and violent crime - stronger enforcement against drug-related offences and violence, with a focus on protecting women and girls.
- Investing in modern policing resources - upgrading vehicles, estates and technology (including AI) to improve effectiveness and keep communities safe.
Mr Coppard said that ensuring money is spent wisely is a priority.
“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,” he said.
“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.
How to share your opinion
Public feedback will help inform the Mayor’s final decision, which will be put to the Police and Crime Panel in February 2026.
Mr Coppard said: “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.”
The survey can be undertaken via this link