Gloucestershire taxpayers will see an increase in their council tax bills by nearly six percent from April, as the police budget rises to fund additional neighbourhood officers. Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson has presented a £184.7 million budget, describing it as the toughest he has faced in his five years in office.
The council tax portion allocated to Gloucestershire Constabulary will increase by 5.7 percent, reaching £340.58 for band D properties in the upcoming financial year. Speaking at the police and crime panel, Mr. Nelson highlighted significant financial challenges, including £12 million in cuts driven by funding formula adjustments and underfunded pay awards.
He revealed the force received no capital improvement funds for several years, leading to reductions equivalent to 80 police staff positions and cutbacks in overtime for both officers and staff. A shortfall of £2.3 million was disclosed in December, resulting in a request to raise the policing precept by £25 being denied; however, an increase of £18.50 was approved.
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Despite this increase, funding gaps remain, particularly in areas such as antisocial behaviour hotspot funds, which previously received about £1 million annually. The force faces a necessity to save £20 million over the next four years, including £9 million in the first year.
One highlight of the budget is the planned recruitment of 13 additional neighbourhood police officers. However, funding shortages may mean the force must find savings equivalent to about five or six of these positions. Mr. Nelson described this as “the lesser of two evils” given the importance of retaining access to 40 percent of available funding.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton endorsed the plan, emphasizing the value of neighbourhood policing with officers walking the beat to address community concerns. Mr. Nelson confirmed public feedback strongly supports having more officers visible in neighbourhoods.
In response to questions about Gloucestershire’s relatively high tax increase compared to other areas, Mr. Nelson explained that most forces are increasing their precepts by the maximum £15, but ten forces, including Gloucestershire, have been permitted to go higher, up to £18.50. He added that the current funding formula tends to disadvantage smaller, rural forces with low crime rates like Gloucestershire.
The police and crime panel voted to support the proposed budget, with recommendations for regular updates on ICT, estate management, and the new operating model. The panel also requested more information on preventative efforts to address inequity and enhance public trust in policing.