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The budget for policing in Warwickshire has been agreed for the financial year ahead by Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, with increased funding to help maintain service levels, enhance police visibility, and improve crime-fighting efforts across the county. Following the Government’s funding settlement for policing, Warwickshire Police will receive an overall funding increase of 6.4% (£9 million), slightly below the national average increase. Of this total, £5.4 million comes from direct Government grants, while £3.6 million is dependent on an increase in the Police Precept—the portion of the budget funded through Council Tax.
To sustain and enhance policing, the precept will rise by £14 per year (27p per week) for a Band D household. Lower-banded properties will pay less, and higher bands will pay more.
Announcing the budget provisions, Mr Seccombe emphasised the importance of ensuring Warwickshire remains a safe and secure place to live, work, and visit.
“This budget is designed to maintain and improve frontline policing services, ensuring that Warwickshire Police remains responsive to the needs of our communities,” he said. “The additional investment will allow Warwickshire Police to build on recent improvements, increase police officer numbers and enhance neighbourhood policing.”
It includes funding to increase police officer numbers and also support the work of specialist units dealing with domestic abuse, burglary, vehicle crime and theft, ensuring that victims receive a high standard of service.
In total, the 2025/26 budget will allow Warwickshire Police to: Recruit an additional eight police officers, raising the total number to a record 1,130 and enhancing the force’s ability to respond to crime.Strengthen neighbourhood policing teams to improve visibility and engagement in communities.Maintain a strong presence of dedicated Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).Improve investigations into burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, leading to better outcomes for victims.Enhance emergency response capabilities through improved technology and call handling systems.Invest in specialist teams tackling domestic abuse, rape, and serious organised crime.Upgrade police infrastructure, including modernised vehicles, IT systems, and officer training.The budget will also support the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner in funding continued support services for victims of crime, including provisions for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, child exploitation and other specialist services.
The full announcement can be read on the Police and Crime Commissioner's website at: https://www.warwickshire-pcc.gov.uk/pccs-budget-to-support-safer-communities-agreed/
Details of the Police Precept changes will be included in the Council Tax notifications sent to bill payers by the District and Borough Councils in due course.
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