Chief Constable raises concerns about budget and impact on public safety

At this month’s Police and Crime Panel, which takes place on Wednesday 4 February, the Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall will be outlining his position that he does not support the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) Rupert Matthews’s proposals for budget allocation for 2026/27.

In papers published online today (Wednesday 28 January) the T/Chief Constable outlines that he advised the PCC that a 29p per week / £15 precept increase in 2026/2027 was necessary to address the force’s funding deficit and to help future funding gaps.

However, the PCC has decided to set the local precept increase level at 21p per week / £11 a year.

The total budget allocation decision by the PCC creates a £4.7m budget deficit for Leicestershire Police.

T/Chief Constable David Sandall said: “I will be attending the panel to outline my concerns that Rupert Matthews’s precept proposals create a gap in funding and will have a longer-term impact on our ability to deliver the current service to the public of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR).

“The force has been working tirelessly for many weeks to ensure the PCC has the right information and advice, which has taken a tremendous amount of time and energy to ensure we could provide the best advice, information and solutions.

“I recognise that no-one really wants to pay more tax and of course we recognise the pressures on people’s finances, with many in force managing financial pressures. However, this must be balanced with the ability to prevent harm, keep people safe and ensure that we can deliver an efficient and effective police service and have the resources to do this.

“We are already one of the lowest funded police forces nationwide (7th lowest out of 43) and it is a credit to my officers and staff at Leicestershire Police that we rank within the top eight performing forces, a real testament to the dedication of our officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers.”

In the last three years the force has seen a reduction in funding of £23m. The Chief Constable will be outlining any further budget cuts have a direct impact on the service the force can provide to the public.

The PCC decision to set an £11 increase is contrary to the precept public consultation which showed 69% were willing to pay above £11, that 56% were willing to pay £14 or above, and the highest single choice in the survey showed 38% willing to support £15.

The difference may appear to be small, but between a 21p per week / £11 a year precept increase and a 29p per week / £15 increase is £1.4m per year.

This £1.4m would be received every year thereafter and would grow with inflation. Therefore, within four years around £6m of funding will be lost, with a continual year-on-year impact every year following that.

This must be considered in light of the national budget figures that foresee the force facing a £9m deficit in 2027/28 which rises to £16.4m by 2029/30.

Therefore, the precept decision of today is significant to the long-term financial sustainability and to public safety and service.

Leicestershire Police already operate one of the most efficient back offices in the country, as evidenced by HMICFRS value for money profiles, with 81% of the budget allocated to personnel - officers, PCSOs, and staff providing round-the-clock public service.

T/Chief Constable David Sandall concluded: “I have been clear with the PCC as to our reality. I also feel strongly that the public need us to be open and transparent as to the impact this decision will have.

“We have a lot of work to do to ensure we continue to deliver a high level of service to the people of LLR whilst ensuring we work within these financial constraints, which is a huge undertaking.

“I do not think the budget provided is the right decision for the public or the force. It is important that I am clear on my legal obligations to deliver this police service to the people of LLR and to be respectful of the PCC’s responsibilities.”