Provisional grant settlement for policing for 2026/27 ‘disappointing’, says APCC
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners says the funding settlement for policing in 2026/27 was “disappointing”.
Joint finance leads Roger Hirst and Joy Allen said while they recognise “the significant pressures on the public finances”, the Government must commit to a “fairer and properly funded settlement”, alongside an updated police funding model that is “genuinely fit for the future”.
Responding to the provisional grant settlement for policing for 2026/27, they said: “We recognise the significant pressures on the public finances, but the lack of detail in today’s funding settlement is disappointing.
“It fails to explain the next steps on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and how they will be funded and makes no provision for the capital investment needed to support modern, efficient and resilient police forces at a time when demand continues to rise.
“Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) fully support the Government’s ambitions to halve knife crime and tackle violence against women and girls. However, these are national priorities that require sustainable national funding and today’s announcement doesn’t make clear how these will be paid for.
“They cannot be treated as business as usual, nor should the burden of delivering them continue to be passed disproportionately to local communities through increases in the Council Tax precept.”
They added: “PCCs remain committed to ensuring public money is used efficiently and effectively. But if policing is to remain viable in the long term, the Government must commit to a fairer and properly funded settlement, alongside an updated police funding model that is genuinely fit for the future.”
In a statement, Sarah Jones, the Minister of State for Policing and Crime, said: “Total funding for police forces, including Counter-Terrorism Policing, will be up to £19.5 billion in 2026/27, an increase of up to £798 million compared to the 2025/26 police funding settlement.
“Total funding to territorial police forces will be up to £18.3 billion, an increase of up to £746 million compared to 2025-26.
“This equates to a 4.2 per cent cash increase and a two per cent real terms increase for police forces. For PCCs in England the council tax referendum threshold will be £15 for a Band D property.”
She added: “Funding for Counter-Terrorism Policing will increase by at least £52 million to £1.2 billion in 2026/27. PCCs will be notified separately of force-level funding allocations for CT Policing, which will not be made public for security reasons.
“We will publish a Police Reform White Paper in early 2026 which will set out a vision to bring policing into the modern age with the technology, innovation and structures they need to ensure policing can focus on the crimes that matter to the public and to drive out waste and inefficiency.
“As with previous years, a copy of the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2026-27 will be laid before the House by the Home Secretary, in the New Year.
In response to the provisional police funding settlement (England and Wales) 2026/27, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) warns that the settlement provides only a partial picture of funding, leaving “significant gaps” for PCCs and forces in planning, consulting and approving budgets for the year ahead.
CIPFA chief executive Owen Mapley said: “Police forces are being asked to set budgets without clarity on the full funding picture. Only core grants and precept referendum levels are confirmed, with other allocations expected next year.
“This incomplete picture makes effective financial planning extremely challenging. PCCs and forces need funding that matches their responsibilities and timely clarity from government is essential to avoid difficult choices that could impact frontline services and local accountability.
“CIPFA stands ready to work with the Home Office and policing bodies in navigating these gaps and maintaining sound, sustainable financial management.”