The Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss the draft refreshed Police and Crime Plan for 2026-27 and the proposed policing precept for the same year. The meeting also included a review of the Commissioner's reports and a discussion on the Panel's work programme.

Draft Refreshed Police and Crime Plan and Precept Proposal 2026-27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the draft refreshed Police and Crime Plan for 2026-27 and the associated precept proposal. The plan, titled 'Cut Crime, Support Victims, Build Trust', outlines the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) vision and objectives for policing and community safety in Kent and Medway. The refreshed plan incorporates feedback from the Annual Policing Survey 2025, which indicated that residents felt safer in their homes and town centres compared to previous years, and had increased trust and confidence in Kent Police's performance.

The report detailed the priorities within the plan, categorised under 'Protecting People', 'Protecting Places', 'Protecting Property', and 'Productive Partnerships'. Specific objectives included tackling serious sexual offences, domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, serious violence, gangs, and knife crime, as well as improving public contact, neighbourhood policing, and addressing anti-social behaviour. The plan also highlighted efforts to combat burglary, retail crime, vehicle crime, robbery, and cybercrime, while fostering stronger partnerships within the criminal justice system and with community safety organisations.

A key element of the discussion was the proposed policing precept for 2026-27. The report indicated that the government's provisional police funding settlement for 2026-27 included an increase of up to £798 million nationally, with a council tax referendum threshold of £15 for a Band D property. However, the report noted that this settlement was light on detail and that the overall increase in police funding assumed that all PCCs would increase the precept by the maximum allowed. This shift places a greater burden on local taxpayers, with the proportion of Kent's funding from precept and locally generated income expected to rise to 44% in 2026-27, compared to 27% in 2010.

The report detailed significant cost pressures facing Kent Police, including pay awards amounting to £16.4 million, which exceeded the central government funding provided. This resulted in a projected savings gap of £2.9 million for 2026-27 and £40 million over the medium term. To mitigate these pressures, a proposed increase in the policing precept of £15 per year for a Band D property was put forward, representing a 5.6% increase. This decision was presented as essential to maintain the strong progress of Kent Police and avoid further significant savings that could impact frontline services. Public consultation on the precept indicated strong support for the £15 increase, with a significant percentage willing to pay even more.

The report also outlined the Chief Finance Officer's professional statement on the adequacy of reserves, the robustness of estimates, and the effectiveness of financial controls. It highlighted the challenging financial environment, exacerbated by uncertainty surrounding future government funding and the abolition of PCCs in 2028. The strategy for managing reserves and the capital programme was also detailed, including plans for investment in IT, estates, and vehicle replacement.

Questions to the Commissioner

The agenda included an opportunity for the Panel to ask questions of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott. One question was scheduled to focus on his most significant achievement in the role and the functions he would wish to see protected if the role were to be abolished.

Work Programme

The Panel was also scheduled to review its work programme, identifying items for future meetings and noting any decisions made by the Commissioner.