Bedfordshire PCC sets budget with council tax increase to protect police services
The policing budget focuses on sustainability and maintaining public safety
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
Bedfordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, has approved a new budget aimed at safeguarding police services and securing long-term financial stability for 2026/27.
The £175m budget recently received approval from the Police and Crime Panel, along with a recommendation to increase the policing element of council tax by 6.6%. This equates to an additional £18.50 annually for Band D households in the county.
Tizard's approach prioritises the safety of Bedfordshire residents while accounting for the ongoing financial pressures on the police service, according to the PCC’s Office.
Funding for Bedfordshire Police is split between central government support and council tax. Despite a modest increase from government contributions announced in January, the county still holds the title of England's lowest-funded police service per capita. This comes amid a growing demand for crime-related services and an increasingly complex crime profile in the region.
The approved council tax increase helps address the financial imbalance and ensures the force can continue providing essential services effectively while replenishing police fund reserves, Tizard 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...
“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.”
Tizard added that public feedback through Bedfordshire’s first county-wide poll and the latest council tax consultation showed people’s desire for effective policing services.
The decision aligns with his duty to balance a sustainable police service with the allocation of funds to support an efficient and effective force led by the Chief Constable.