'I recognise financial pressures but police in Lancashire must have resources to keep communities safe'
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Panel has approved budget plans that will increase council tax contributions to policing while protecting neighbourhood officers across the county.
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw’s 2026/27 budget was backed at a panel meeting on Monday after members noted both the financial pressures facing the force and strong public support for paying more to safeguard local policing.
A recent public survey found 66% of respondents were prepared to pay at least £15 more a year on a Band D property to protect neighbourhood policing.
That equates to around 19p per week for a Band A household and 22p per week for Band B homes - the most common council tax bands in Lancashire.
The total police budget for 2026/27 is forecast to be £445.3 million and includes a 5.4% increase in the police precept - the portion of council tax that funds policing.
Despite rising costs, the commissioner said the budget maintains investment in visible neighbourhood policing and frontline services, alongside spending on safeguarding, digital investigations, roads policing and modern IT systems.
Lancashire Constabulary has added 93 neighbourhood policing roles since March last year under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and is on track to increase that to 103 by the end of March, including new officers, PCSOs and Special Constables.
Mr Grunshaw said: “I recognise the financial pressures facing households, but it is vital that Lancashire Constabulary has the resources needed to keep communities safe.
“The public were clear about what they were willing to contribute, with 66% supporting an increase.
“Consultation has shown how important visible neighbourhood policing is to residents.
“This budget protects frontline policing and supports the priorities residents set for us - tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, serious violence and strengthening neighbourhood policing.”
He added that while government funding had risen, it did not fully cover inflation and pay pressures.
The Police and Crime Panel, made up of councillors from across Lancashire and independent members, formally approved the plans. A written decision is expected to follow.