PCC Confirms £15 Policing Precept Rise After Lower Increase Blocked
Written by HFM News on 12th February 2026
Leicestershire and Rutland’s Police and Crime Commissioner has confirmed he will raise the policing element of council tax by £15 for a Band D property from April, after his original proposal was rejected.
Rupert Matthews had initially put forward an £11 increase for 2026/27, saying he wanted to limit the impact on taxpayers.
However, the Police and Crime Panel blocked the proposal on 4 February, arguing it was too low and warning it could leave the force under-resourced.
Following the veto, Mr Matthews has now published a revised Precept Report confirming the maximum allowable £15 rise.
Rupert Matthews in Market Harborough
The increase is expected to raise an additional £1.4m to £1.5m for policing, crime prevention, community safety and victim support services.
Mr Matthews said he recognised the panel’s role in scrutinising his decision-making and representing residents’ views. He added that while he had wanted a lower rise, the revised precept would now help stabilise police finances.
The additional income will cover the force’s remaining £750,000 deficit, removing the need for further in-year savings, and will also bolster reserves and fund prevention work aimed at reducing demand on frontline officers and call handlers.
Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall thanked the PCC for reconsidering his position. He said the £15 increase would close a £1.2m funding gap for 2026/27 and support investment in prevention and service improvements.
Over the past three years, the force has saved £23m and already has plans to save a further £3.5m in the next financial year.
