PCC invites Bedfordshire residents to have their say on police funding

John Tizard, Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is inviting residents to share their views on police funding, to inform how he will set the police funding for 2026/27.   

The consultation takes five minutes to complete and can be completed either online or by post. It will close at 11.59 PM on Friday 16 January. All Bedfordshire residents and businesses are encouraged to take part.

Have Your Say: Policing Element of Council Tax in Bedfordshire 2026-27

Currently, 60% of Bedfordshire Police’s funding comes from the government core grant, with the remaining 40% being raised through council tax.

Bedfordshire Police has been historically underfunded by successive governments and although the government grant increased in 2025/26 and will do so again in 2026/27 – this has not been sufficient to make up for previous years of underfunding.

Rising demand, population growth, and increasing complexity in policing all put pressure on resources. We expect this pressure to continue to increase in the future.

Whilst Bedfordshire Police is making efficiency savings, and improving productivity the PCC now believes that council tax, and must be raised to safeguard police services.

The current government cap on council tax increases would mean an increase of 29p per week, or £15 per year, for a Band D household, and equates to 5.37% across all council tax bands. The government may vary this limit, and the PCC is minded to go for a higher percentage increase if permissible.

John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: 

“Everyone who lives and works in Bedfordshire is entitled to the services of an effective and efficient police service, however without sufficient funding the police cannot keep everyone safe.  

“The demands on Bedfordshire Police are increasing every year. It is vital that we maintain, and wherever possible improve, the effectiveness and efficiency of our police service. 

“I am proposing to increase the council tax to the maximum possible to ensure that core police services are protected and the public of Bedfordshire remain safe.

“Failure to increase the council tax element of the precept would risk reductions in future government funding and would lead to significant cuts in services — with a negative impact on safety across Bedfordshire. 

“Bedfordshire Police is recognised as pioneers in the use of technology to improve productivity and will continue to invest in this, but the cashable savings will take time to be realised.

“We have reviewed all budgets and will stop doing what is not essential.

“The government has increased our funding but there is still a need to increase the council tax.

“I have a responsibility to ensure that the police finances are sustainable, and without council tax increases this will not be possible.

“I will ensure that every pound spent is used prudently to prevent crime, support victims, enforce the law, and keep our county safe. I will hold myself and the Chief Constable to account to achieve value for money.

“I am keen to hear the views of the public, and I am determined to ensure that Bedfordshire Police provides an efficient and effective service.”

Feedback gathered during the consultation will help inform the Commissioner’s decision on the allocation of funding to the Police and his Office for 2026/27. This will be submitted to the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel on 2 February.