The Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston has proposed a 4.99% increase in the policing element of Council Tax for 2026/27, raising the Band D rate by £14.94 to £314.37 per year.
This recommendation, to be presented to the Police and Crime Panel at its meeting in Peterborough tomorrow (Wednesday), is designed to address significant budget pressures and ensure the force’s financial sustainability.
Mounting Budget Pressures
Cambridgeshire Constabulary faces mounting financial challenges. Officer salaries and allowances alone account for nearly 60% of the budget, while over 83% is tied up in pay-related costs, including staff and essential services supporting officers.
This leaves little room for discretionary spending or cost-saving initiatives without impacting frontline effectiveness. Despite these constraints, the force says it has identified £6.3 million in savings for 2026/27.
The force remains one of the lowest funded in England, receiving £246.56 per head—well below the national average of £278. If Cambridgeshire received average funding, it would gain an additional £28 million.
The government’s provisional settlement for 2026/27 provides a 4.2% cash increase, but Mr Preston believes the lack of population updates in the funding formula continues to disadvantage the county.
Further pressures stem from capital requirements, such as the planned replacement of Parkside police station in Cambridge with a new facility at Milton. The costs of borrowing for these projects will increase future budget requirements and expose the force to interest rate risks.
Community Consultation and Next Steps
A public survey launched in December 2025 informed the precept proposal, gathering views on funding, safety, and police effectiveness. The Panel will review the proposal and make recommendations by early February.
The precept increase aims to balance the budget without using reserves, maintaining effective policing for Cambridgeshire’s communities.
