The Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss the proposed policing precept for 2026/27, which includes options for council tax increases to fund policing services. The panel was also set to review reports on rural crime and the work of the Commissioner's Victims' Champions.

Police and Crime Commissioner's Proposed Precept 2026/27

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) proposed policing precept for 2026/27. This involves determining the level of council tax increase required to fund policing in County Durham and Darlington. The report outlined two potential options for the precept increase: a standard increase of £15 per annum for a Band D property, or an exceptional increase of up to £29 per annum, subject to Home Office approval. The provisional government funding settlement for 2026-27 indicated an £8 million increase for the area, but this was deemed insufficient to cover forecast cost pressures. The PCC had applied for exceptional flexibility from the Home Office to allow for the higher precept increase, with a decision expected by the end of January 2026. The panel was asked to consider these options and decide whether to agree or veto the PCC's proposal, and to produce a report outlining their views. The report highlighted that a £15 increase would result in a £3.5 million funding gap, while a £20+ increase would reduce this to £1.5 million, with the latter being presented as more financially sustainable. Consultation with residents indicated a preference for more visible neighbourhood policing, tackling drug dealing, and preventing anti-social behaviour.

Rural Crime Report

A report was scheduled to be presented on how Durham Constabulary is tackling rural crime through the Durham and Darlington Rural Crime Partnerships. This follows the release of the National Rural Crime Strategy for 2025-2028, which focuses on rural and wildlife crime. The local strategy has identified key themes including theft of agricultural machinery and quads, poaching, livestock thefts and attacks, equine tack and trailer thefts, fly tipping, wildlife crime, and domestic abuse and social isolation in rural areas. The report detailed investments in technology such as NICHE and SCOUT for crime pattern analysis, and training for officers. Funding has been provided for wildlife cameras, dashcams for Rural Watch members, and security equipment. The Constabulary has increased the number of Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) to 24 and has four Wildlife Crime Officers. Engagement with rural communities is facilitated through 16 Rurali WhatsApp groups with over 1500 members, which have been highlighted nationally as best practice.

Commissioner Victims' Champions Report

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the work of the Commissioner's Victims' Champions. These champions, appointed in December 2021, act as an independent voice for victims of anti-social behaviour, crime, and domestic abuse, aiming to ensure their experiences shape future policy and services. The report outlined their 3R approach: Raise awareness, Respond locally, and seek Reform where national solutions are required. The champions have engaged with victims to identify emerging themes and case studies, informing policy and practice. The report detailed specific work undertaken in relation to crime, anti-social behaviour, and domestic abuse, including efforts to improve communication, reporting mechanisms, and victim support services. The champions also lobby government ministers and departments on issues such as court backlogs and the need for victim-centred system reform.

Complaints Update

A report was scheduled to provide an update on formal complaints received relating to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) or the Deputy PCC. The last report, presented on 16 December 2025, indicated three complaints under consideration. One complaint was being treated as withdrawn due to a lack of response from the complainant, while two others remained under consideration. The report stated that no further complaints against the PCC had been received since the last meeting.

Police and Crime Panel Work Programme 2025/26

The panel was scheduled to review its Work Programme for 2025/26. This programme is designed to allow the panel to plan its scrutiny of the PCC and its responsibilities, including reviewing the Police and Crime Plan, the PCC's annual report, and holding confirmation hearings for key appointments. The work programme is flexible to accommodate emerging issues. A report on Road Safety, originally scheduled for this meeting, was deferred to the 2026/27 work programme, while a report on Firearms Licensing was moved to the March 2026 meeting, with Rural Crime brought forward.