FEARS of a massive 40 per cent increase in the council tax police precept have led Solihull Council to take plans to merge the region's police forces to judicial review.
The action has been taken with Birmingham, Coventry and Dudley councils, who have jointly begun proceedings in the High Court challenging the Home Secretary's proposals for amalgamating the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Mercia Police Authority areas.
On March 3 2006, the Home Office wrote to councils with proposals, allowing four months for objections, however, the councils feel there has been no proper consultation with them, and that there has not been enough information provided on issues like finance.
A particular concern is that the restructuring will lead to higher council tax bills, through precept equalisation.
The current levy paid by West Midlands council tax payers is lower than that in the surrounding counties. As a result of the merger, residents could face an increase of up to 40 per cent in their police precept.
Councillor Ian Hillas, deputy leader of Solihull Council, pictured, said: "We are extremely concerned about the lack of consultation and the fact that the proposal will hit the council taxpayer hard.
"We do not think this is right or fair."
Although the Home Office has indicated there will be a phased approach to precept equalisation, no details have been made available.
However the plans are being backed by West Midlands Police Force. In a statement, it said: "Amalgamation is a positive opportunity to bring a more cohesive and consistent approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and crime, including terrorism. A feasibility report on the merger is currently under consideration."
The four councils are now asking the courts to intervene so the Home Secretary does not make the statutory orders in July. If these were approved by Parliament, the restructuring would be implemented in April 2007.
The councils are seeking a further 12 month consultation period.
