Devon and Cornwall could see council tax rise to support police funding
Commissioner proposes £15 annual increase per Band D household
Last updated 30th Jan 2026
Households in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly may see a rise in the police part of their council tax bills, as the Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez proposes an increase of £15 annually for an average Band D property.
The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on 30th January 2026. If approved, Band D households would pay an additional £1.50 per month if spread over 10 months.
The increase comes in response to a funding shortfall of approximately £3million anticipated for the 2026-7 budget, according to Commissioner Hernandez. She has expressed concerns that officer numbers might be at risk if the increase, equal to 5.2%, is not approved.
Disparity in funding
Devon and Cornwall reportedly received one of the lowest government funding settlements for policing in England and Wales this year. Only Cleveland, Greater Manchester, Norfolk, and South Wales fared worse.
While taxpayers contribute 43% of the Devon and Cornwall Police budget—the government caps increases in council tax for policing at £15 for Band D homes—even the maximum rise would see the force's spending power grow by just 4.2%, compared to the national average rise of 4.5%.
Challenges with recruitment funding
Commissioner Hernandez highlighted a reduction in funding linked to officer recruitment. The government cut funds for hiring additional officers by half, from £5million to £2.5million, creating a potential gap equivalent to losing 47 officers out of 95 recruited.
Hernandez said government funding “appears to effectively penalise the force” for meeting national recruitment targets, adding, “Only four policing areas in England have had a lower provisional settlement than Devon and Cornwall.”
Record-high officer numbers and local efficiencies
Despite budget challenges, Chief Constable Will Kerr has assured Hernandez that the record-high officer count of 3,610 will likely be maintained. Around £6million in local efficiencies planned for next year’s budget are expected to help offset the gap.
Additional funding comes from second homes in the region, which are charged 200% council tax. Last year, second home contributions raised £6million, with similar figures expected for 2026-7.
Hernandez said, “Our communities deserve visible, effective policing. We have worked hard, alongside local taxpayers, to increase officer numbers to their highest level ever. It is deeply concerning that we now appear to be punished for doing exactly what government asked of us.”
Struggles for rural and coastal areas
Hernandez has repeatedly raised concerns about the national police funding formula, citing its failure to account for challenges faced by rural and coastal areas. Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly experience high tourist numbers each year and issues linked to sparsity and rurality, yet receive less funding than the national average.
“For the first time, I’m going to have to ask people to pay more to get the same or less,” Hernandez said, acknowledging the financial pressures faced by residents.