North Yorkshire Police may have to reduce the force by 21 officers to help balance the budget, it has emerged. The reduction is the worst-case scenario outlined in a report for the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, which will meet next week to agree the force’s share of the council tax bill for 2026/27. In the report, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire proposes to increase the police and crime precept for a Band D property by £15 per year — up 4.67% on last year. Mr Skaith said it was vital the emergency services had the resources they needed to keep the public safe. But he added: