Police forces in England and Wales are expected to receive an additional £986.9m in funding for 2025-26, bringing the total to £17.4bn—a 3.5% increase from the previous year. However, as council tax is set to rise to help fund a £330m boost for police, a significant portion of this funding will depend on police and crime commissioners (PCCs) increasing council tax by up to £14 on average band D properties. This proposal has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public representatives.
The funding boost includes £657.1m in government grants and £329.8m expected from council tax increases, requiring PCCs to implement the rise to meet their targets. Home Office Minister Diana Johnson defended the settlement, calling it a balanced approach to support policing while minimizing the burden on taxpayers.
The reliance on council tax increases has been widely criticized. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warned that rising National Insurance costs for employers would put additional strain on police budgets, potentially leading to a reduction of 3,500 frontline officers. Liberal Democrat Lisa Smart also criticized the government for relying on local taxation, urging proper funding directly from Westminster.
The current police funding formula has been labeled outdated, with critics arguing it disproportionately benefits wealthier regions. Andy Cooke, Chief Inspector of Constabulary, noted that inner-city areas with lower housing stock values, such as Merseyside and the West Midlands, often raise far less through council tax than wealthier areas.
Cooke also expressed concern over one-year funding settlements, which make long-term planning for police forces more difficult.
The funding package includes £230.3m to cover pay increases and offset rising employer National Insurance costs, along with £100m to recruit 13,000 additional neighborhood officers. From April, employers will face a higher National Insurance rate, increasing to 15% on salaries above £5,000.
Many police forces have expressed doubts about the sustainability of the funding plan. Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley warned of a potential £450m budget shortfall in 2025, which could lead to significant staff reductions. In Lincolnshire, Chief Constable Paul Gibson highlighted a 13% population increase over two decades without a corresponding rise in funding, calling for £57m more to maintain services.
The government also announced plans to increase firearms licensing fees, though no specific timeline has been provided. Firearm owners currently pay a fee for certification, which will rise when parliamentary time allows.
While the proposed funding increase offers much-needed resources, its reliance on council tax hikes has sparked criticism. The current funding formula is seen as inequitable, leaving some regions at a disadvantage. As PCCs consider implementing tax increases, the debate over fair and sustainable police funding continues.
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