Have your say on police funding in Bedfordshire

Have your say on police funding in Bedfordshire

John Tizard, Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is asking residents and businesses for their views on police funding for 2026/27. The short survey takes about five minutes to complete and can be filled in online or by post:

https://orlo.uk/cD6Eb

The PCC proposes to increase the council tax to the maximum possible to safeguard police services.

Bedfordshire Police has been historically underfunded by successive governments. While government grants have increased in recent years, they have not been enough to make up for years of underfunding.

Rising demand, population growth, and the increasing complexity of policing continue to put pressure on resources – and this is expected to grow in the future.

The current government cap on council tax increases would mean an increase of 29p per week, or £15 per year, for a Band D household, which is 5.37% across all council tax bands. The government may vary this limit, and the PCC is minded to go for a higher percentage increase if permissible.

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Friday 16 January 2026 and responses will help inform the budget proposal going to the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel in February.

Please share your views and encourage others in your community to take part.

To request a paper copy of the consultation, contact: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, Bridgebury House, Bedfordshire Police Headquarters, Woburn Road, Kempston, Bedford MK43 9AX