Panel approves Police and Crime Commissioner's budget plans to prioritise neighbourhood policing

At the Panel’s meeting on Monday (26 January), Commissioner Grunshaw presented the proposed budget for policing, community safety and victims’ services across the county. This included the recommended amount local households contribute towards policing (the precept), which must be approved by the Panel.

The report showed that 66% of respondents to the Commissioner’s recent public survey said they were prepared to pay an increase of £15 or more for a Band D property, equivalent to 19p per week for a Band A property or 22p per week for Band B, the most common bands in Lancashire, to protect local policing.

Despite rising costs and pressures, his budget maintains investment in neighbourhood policing and protects recent improvements, enabling Lancashire Constabulary to increase visible policing and invest in critical infrastructure to take keep Lancashire safe.

Thanking Panel members and the public for their support, Commissioner Clive 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, and I am grateful for the trust they have placed in us to ensure the best value for money.

“Despite ongoing financial challenges, consultation has shown how important visible neighbourhood policing is to residents. Through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, and as further ringfenced funding becomes available, Lancashire will continue to increase the number of Police Officers, PCSOs and Special Constables.

“We have invested in safeguarding, digital investigations, financial investigation, roads policing and modern IT systems to strengthen frontline services and improve outcomes for our communities.

“The 2026/27 budget and proposed 5.4% precept increase are essential to maintaining this investment, delivering significant savings, and enabling the Chief Constable to build on recent progress to provide the strong local policing that residents expect.”

Lancashire Constabulary now has an additional 93 roles working in neighbourhood policing since March 2025 as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (NPG). The force is on target to increase this to 103 additional posts in total by the end of March: 53 officers, 30 PCSOs and 20 Special Constables.

The total budget for Lancashire Police in 2026/27 is forecast to be £445.3 million. This includes a 5.4% increase in the portion of the council tax that goes towards policing (the police precept).

Commissioner Grunshaw added: “The police grant has increased and while that is welcome, it is simply not enough to cover inflation and pay costs. I’m grateful to the public for their support and to the Panel members who recognised the importance of protecting our police services.

“I am proud of Lancashire Constabulary. It is an exceptional police force, and the current levels of performance, responding to calls for service and securing outcomes for victims, are the best I have seen in 13 years. This budget protects frontline policing and supports the priorities residents set for us, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour and serious violence, including violence against women and girls, as well as strengthening neighbourhood policing, enhancing support for victims and ultimately bringing offenders to justice.”

The budget was passed by the Police and Crime Panel, which is made up from Councillors representing each area of Lancashire along with independent members. A formal written decision will follow.

View the survey results online.