The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to meet on Monday 2 February 2026 to discuss the proposed police council tax precept for the upcoming year and receive an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner. The meeting will also include a report from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and a review of the committee's work plan.

Proposed Gloucestershire Police Precept 2026/2027

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of the proposed Gloucestershire Police Council Tax precept for 2026/2027. This discussion, led by PCC Chris Nelson, will involve reviewing the financial plans and the potential impact on local taxation. The report pack indicates that the budget for 2026/27 is £183.9 million, with a proposed £15 increase in the Council Tax precept. However, there is also a proposal to request additional flexibility from the Home Office for a £25 increase to protect frontline services. The report highlights a funding gap compared to previous assumptions, with the provisional settlement creating a shortfall of £2.3 million in 2026/27. The document states that if this flexibility is not granted, the Constabulary would need to consider further reductions to staffing and non-pay budgets, which would represent cuts to elements of service and would create operational risks to policing in the County. ¹

Update from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)

The Panel will receive an update from PCC Chris Nelson on current activity. This update is expected to cover various initiatives and ongoing work. The report pack indicates that the PCC has been actively involved in numerous events and meetings, including visits to local areas, external meetings with partner organisations such as Safer Gloucestershire, and engagement with local MPs. Recent activities also include participation in the Winter of Action launch in Cheltenham and discussions on tackling domestic abuse. The report also notes that the PCC has been actively engaged with national bodies, including the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and the Home Office, on matters of police reform.

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

Ruth Greenwood, Chief Executive of the OPCC, will present a report to the Panel. This report is expected to address two significant national developments: the decision to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and the implications of a recent Administrative Court decision in the case of R (Chief Police Officers' Staff Association) v Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire & Others. The report notes that the abolition of PCCs is intended to align with Local Government Reform in Gloucestershire, potentially leading to the establishment of a statutory Police and Crime Board. The report also states that while details remain unclear, the OPCC has sought and received legal advice regarding the Staffordshire case and is confident in Gloucestershire's current structure, with no immediate changes planned as a result of this ruling.

Work Plan

The Panel will review its work plan for future meetings. The current work plan includes items such as an annual staff survey, a discussion on the Blue Light Collaboration Board, and an update on Special Constables. Future suggested items for the work plan include rural drug use and crime prevention.