Police budget

In England and Wales, it is the duty of the Police and Crime Commissioner to oversee policing, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet community needs whilst maintaining good value for money. The PCC determines sets the police budget each year, aiming to maximise the impact of every pound spent. In order to maintain critical services to protect the public, Bedfordshire Police will have a budget of £175 million in 2026/27. 

The PCC also sets the local precept – the portion of council tax allocated to policing. The total budget is made up of 58% government grants and 42% council tax. The PCC oversees the management of the budget, working with the Chief Constable to make sure it is spent efficiently and effectively. 

For 2026-27 the PCC has set the policing element of council tax at 6.6%, which is £18.50 for Band D households.  

John said: “This has been a challenging budget to set, striking the right balance between affordability for households and protecting the police service. and ensuring the police service’s financial sustainability.  

“We have robustly scrutinised all expenditure and sought value for money. We have pressed government for additional and fair funding and will continue to do so.  

“We have taken a prudent approach to the use of reserves and rebuilding reserve levels.  

“Bedfordshire Police has faced severe budget pressures and consistent underfunding for many years. I have listened to the public who want effective police services – they told us that when we held our first county-wide poll. We received the same feedback in our recent council tax consultation.  

“I make no apology for increasing the council tax to the highest level permitted by government regulations. This is the only way to protect services and move towards long term financial sustainability.”