Panel backs 8.6% rise as funding pressures mount, but questions remain over spending priorities

THE DYFED-POWYS POLICE and Crime Panel unanimously approved an 8.6% increase in the police precept for the 2025-26 financial year, a decision that will see Band D households paying an additional £28.65 per year.

The move, backed at a meeting in County Hall, Haverfordwest, last week came amid mounting financial pressures on the force, which Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said was “struggling to maintain services in the face of inflation, increased demand, and declining central government support.”

With the rise, Dyfed-Powys remains the cheapest force in Wales in terms of council tax contributions, but concerns over transparency, recruitment struggles, and the force’s ability to deliver improvements have led to debate among councillors and the public.

PUBLIC CALLS FOR CLARITY ON PRECEPT-SETTING PROCESS

One of the most contentious issues raised at the meeting was the public’s lack of understanding of how the precept is set and spent.

A public question submitted to the panel challenged the clarity of police funding, stating that many council tax premium payers—who contribute three times the standard rate—feel left in the dark about how their money is allocated.

Commissioner defends process, blames Home Office for lack of transparency

Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn defended the process, highlighting that his office had presented a detailed budget report and that public consultations had taken place.

However, he admitted that the Home Office funding formula remains opaque, stating:

“The way policing is funded in the UK is deeply complex. At present, 56% of Dyfed-Powys Police’s budget comes from local council tax precepts, while central government funding has steadily declined over the past decade.”

Despite efforts to explain the precept-setting process, several panel members acknowledged that more needs to be done to simplify public communications about how and why tax increases are necessary.

WHY IS THE INCREASE NECESSARY?

Llywelyn outlined several key financial pressures necessitating the 8.6% increase, including:

• Officer pay rises and inflation – Increased salary costs for officers and staff, driven by national pay settlements and rising employer contributions to National Insurance and pensions.
• Loss of Welsh Government grants – The school liaison programme, previously funded by Welsh Government, is now being covered by Dyfed-Powys Police’s own budget, requiring additional local funding.
• Workforce modernisation – Increased investment in frontline policing, with efforts to free up officers by relying more on police staff and AI-driven automation tools.
• Rural crime concerns – A growing issue in the Dyfed-Powys region, particularly the theft of agricultural vehicles (ATVs), with £500,000 earmarked for enhancing rural crime prevention strategies.
• Investment in AI and digital policing tools – The force is trialling AI-driven software to assist in areas such as redacting sensitive case files, processing victim reports, and even fireworks licensing.

COMPARISONS WITH OTHER WELSH FORCES

Llywelyn pointed out that, even with the increase, Dyfed-Powys residents will still pay the lowest police precept in Wales.

Band D council tax comparisons for 2025-26 (estimated):

Dyfed-Powys: £360.68
Gwent: £374.20
North Wales: £385.50
South Wales: £395.80

Despite this, some panel members raised concerns that cost-of-living pressures could make even small increases difficult for struggling households.

PANEL BACKS INCREASE BUT SCRUTINISES SPENDING PLANS

The precept was approved following a presentation by Councillor Keith Evans, who led the Finance Sub-Group’s scrutiny of the proposed 2025-26 police budget.

Panel members questioned several aspects of the spending plans, including:

1. Recruitment and retention – are officers staying?

While 245 officers were recruited in 2023/24 and 213 in 2024/25, the force is struggling to retain staff, with many leaving within three to seven years. A retention officer has been appointed to understand why officers are leaving and improve working conditions. Llywelyn admitted that pay, workload, and a lack of career progression were major factors in officer departures.

2. Police station closures – fewer public contact points

Concerns were raised over the accessibility of policing services, with only two stations—Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock—offering front desk services. Llywelyn defended the shift toward digital and phone-based policing, stating that 101 call response times have improved and that more people now contact police via social media or online portals.

3. Rural crime – a growing concern

Theft of ATVs, livestock, and fuel has been rising, particularly in Carmarthenshire and Powys. Llywelyn stated that the Rural Crime Team is expanding to advise farmers on crime prevention and increase visibility in rural areas. A new crime prevention initiative will see officers working with insurance companies to mark vehicles and equipment to deter theft.

4. AI and digital policing – how much is being spent?

The force is investing in AI to speed up administrative tasks, such as:

• Redacting case files before submission to the Crown Prosecution Service.
• Using automated translation tools for victim and witness statements.
• Developing digital contact tools for low-risk domestic abuse cases.

Some panel members questioned whether AI investments would reduce officer workload or simply divert funds from frontline services.

COST-OF-LIVING CONCERNS – HOW WILL HOUSEHOLDS COPE?

Despite approving the increase, some panel members raised concerns about the impact on households already struggling with higher energy bills, food prices, and mortgage rates.

Llywelyn acknowledged the financial strain but stressed that without the increase, police services would be forced to cut back.

“To maintain the same level of service, we need an additional £6 million in funding. This precept increase ensures we can keep officers on the streets and continue tackling crime effectively.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

With the 8.6% precept increase now approved, Dyfed-Powys Police will move forward with:

• Officer recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Expanding rural crime prevention efforts.
• AI and digital policing trials.
• New scrutiny structures, including quarterly Strategic Performance Meetings and deep dives into key policing issues.

While the panel supported the rise, it is clear that public scrutiny of police spending remains high, particularly regarding whether the promised improvements materialise.

The next Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel meeting will assess whether these investments have delivered tangible results.