PCC Launches Public Survey to Shape 'Pragmatic' 2026-27 Budget Amid Financial Uncertainty
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Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, is appealing to local residents to help him formulate a "pragmatic" budget for the 2026-27 financial year by participating in a new public survey.
Conscious of the challenging financial climate and pending announcements from central government, the PCC has launched a root and branch review of spending to ensure maximum value for money across policing, crime prevention, community safety, and victim support services.
PCC Matthews highlighted the significant uncertainties surrounding central government funding. For the 2025-26 budget of £255 million, the government provided 56%, with the remaining 44% funded by local taxpayers through the Council Tax precept.
"There is a real danger that the national government may seek to put pressure on PCCs to use local taxation to plug the black hole caused by lack of Government funding," Mr Matthews stated.
He further detailed the financial pressures:
Inflationary Costs: The cost of pay and non-pay inflation for 2026-27 is projected to require an additional £10.9 million.
Precept Increase: Raising the police precept by the rate of inflation (3.8%) would only deliver an estimated £5.6 million, leaving a significant shortfall.
Public Input is Crucial
Recognising that the public's contribution is vital, Mr Matthews is asking residents to weigh in on how they would like their precept contributions to be managed.
"It is their police force, their community’s safety and their victim support service, so it is only right that they have a say on the budget to cover that," he commented. He also stressed the need to "think outside the box" and "adapt our spending to take into account the ever-changing nature of criminality."
The survey presents residents with several options for the police precept increase for a Band D property:
| Option | Weekly Increase* | Annual Impact/Purpose |
| Option A | More than £0.30 | Contribute towards ongoing financial pressures |
| Option B | £0.27 | Match the increase made last year (£14.00 p/a) |
| Option C | £0.24 | Contribute towards the cost of the Central Government-set pay award |
| Option D | £0.22 | Contribute towards the cost of inflation (currently 3.8%) |
| Option E | £0.00 | No increase, which would result in reductions in services |
* For a Band D property
The Commissioner is simultaneously lobbying the government for a fair funding settlement and actively seeking ways to reduce waste and duplication to protect frontline services.
Have Your Say
Residents of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland are encouraged to take part in the survey to ensure their views are considered as the final budget is set.
The survey can be accessed here:
