The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss the proposed Gloucestershire Police Council Tax Precept for 2026/2027, alongside an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and a report from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) Chief Executive. The meeting was also set to review the committee's work plan.

Proposed Gloucestershire Police Precept 2026/2027

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to considering the proposed Gloucestershire Police Council Tax Precept for the 2026/2027 financial year. The report pack detailed the draft Revenue Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Finance Plan (MTFP) for 2026/27 to 2029/30. The budget was based on priorities for the coming years, influenced by the provisional settlement announced by the Home Office.

The report highlighted a funding gap compared to previous assumptions, necessitating a potential increase in the Council Tax precept. Two options were presented: an increase of up to £25 per household without a referendum, or a £15 increase if the Home Office did not approve further flexibility. The report indicated that even with increased flexibility and planned efficiencies, a funding shortfall remained over the MTFP period. Without further increases in grants and precept levels, additional savings would need to be identified, potentially requiring a fundamental reorganisation of policing in Gloucestershire.

The report also detailed pressures and savings identified for the 2026/27 budget, including pay pressures, contract inflation, and organisational change costs, offset by pay and non-pay savings. Significant savings were identified relating to staffing, with vacancy management being a key area. The report noted that the Constabulary had commissioned a review of its operating model to align resources with the available budget.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson, provided an overview of national budget concerns, including insufficient detail in the settlement, discrepancies, and the impact on local taxation. He also outlined recent local activity, such as Operation Shield and Operation Ash, and discussed the Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy.

The proposed budget for 2026/27 included expenditure on Police Officers, Police Staff, and Non-Pay costs, with income from Government Grants and the Precept. The report also detailed the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) to 2029/30, which indicated an increasing budget gap requiring cumulative savings. Assumptions underpinning the MTFP included pay awards, Council Tax base increases, and inflation.

The report also addressed risks and opportunities, including the achievement of identified savings and the potential draw on reserves. The robustness of the budget estimates and the adequacy of proposed financial reserves were assessed, with the Chief Finance Officer advising that the current level of reserves was barely adequate.

Update from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update from PCC Chris Nelson on current activity. A report from the PCC's office indicated that the Commissioner intended to focus on police productivity and influencing local authorities and the government regarding the implementation of new mayoral combined authority or Police and Crime Board models. The report also touched upon the government's announcement regarding the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners after their current term in 2028, with the role potentially transferring to Mayors or Police and Crime Boards.

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) Chief Executive Report

A report from Ruth Greenwood, Chief Executive of the OPCC, was scheduled for consideration. This report was intended to address two recent national developments: the decision to abolish PCCs and a decision of the Administrative Court in a case involving the Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire. The report indicated that the OPCC had received legal advice regarding the Staffordshire case and was confident in Gloucestershire's current structure, with no immediate plans for changes. It also outlined emerging indications of policy direction for the abolition of PCCs, suggesting a replacement by a statutory Police and Crime Board, with a Policing and Crime Lead appointed to oversee the Constabulary. The report noted that details regarding the transfer of statutory duties from the OPCC were still emerging.

Work Plan

The Panel was scheduled to review its work plan and suggest items for future meetings. The existing work plan included items such as an update on Special Officers and information on the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners. Future meetings were also noted for March, July, September, and November 2026.