Staffordshire Commissioner considering a rise in council tax bills

The Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, is asking residents for their views on funding local Police and Fire & Rescue services as part of an annual consultation process.

Local council tax contributions, known as the precept, form a crucial element of the budgets that fund Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service. With government grant funding falling short due to inflation, pay rises, and national policy changes, the Commissioner is considering a small council tax increase to ensure vital services can continue to meet the community’s needs.

“This is proving to be another challenging year for setting the budgets for our local Police and Fire & Rescue services,” Adams said.

“The government talks publicly about increased ‘spending power’ for our emergency services but unfortunately this relies on above inflation increases in local council tax.

"In recent years, you have supported small council tax increases. These increases amount to only a few pounds extra a year, but I remain very aware that everyday life is becoming more expensive.

“I would like to understand whether you would support a small increase – just a few pounds above inflation – to allow these investments in your community safety to continue."

Adams also reassured residents that every penny raised through council tax would be dedicated to strengthening emergency services. He cited improvements such as the recruitment of 100 detectives to Staffordshire Police’s Public Protection Unit and the continued work of Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service’s falls response service which has mobilised 2,802 times since launching in December 2022.

The Commissioner added, “My preference would be not to raise council tax at all. However, this would lead to real cuts in your services and a reduction in their capability to keep you safe, and I do not believe that is what any of us want."

Residents are invited to share their views to help inform the budget decisions for 2026. The consultation runs to 19th January 2026 and can be accessed at: Staffordshire Precept Consultation .

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