PCC Jonathan Evison said: “Police officer numbers remain at their highest since 2008. We are continuing to see strong performance in crime detection, and we have a continued focus on supporting victims of crime.  The Humberside Police Force Control Room is leading the way nationally in responding to the public by phone and online.  When I set the budget with the Chief Constable last year, several pledges were made including a renewed focus on visible policing and ensuring a long-term commitment to having an enhanced policing presence in coastal areas at peak times through Operation Coastline.  There were also commitments made to challenge the force to further streamline day to day processes and build a drone capability to enhance the effectiveness of the force.  The force will deliver on all of these commitments in year, which was reported to the Police and Crime Panel earlier this month. 

“For the next financial year 2026/27, the government announcement assumes an increase in precept of £15 for the force to receive the full budget.  All properties paying a council tax will be charged, but the amounts below show the average payments based on a Band D property.

I am asking for your views on the following options: 

Option 1: Freeze. This would require an additional £4.6m funding from reserves, which is not sustainable and would therefore require a reduction in police officer numbers.

Option 2: An increase of £9.99 per year (19p per week on a Band D property).  This would also require an additional £1.63m funding from reserves which is not sustainable and will require reduction in police officer numbers.

Option 3: An increase of £14.99 per year (27p per week on a Band D property).  This would also require an additional £0.438m funding from reserves which is manageable next year.

Option 4: An increase of £19.99 per year (38p per week on a Band D property).  This would provide an additional £1.35m funding.

Option 5: An increase of £24.99 per year (48p per week on a Band D property).  This would provide an additional £2.838m funding.

Most properties within the Humberside Police area are in lower Council Tax bands than D, on which the Government bases its financial forecasts.  Around 34% of households are in Band A, 21% in Band B and 16% in Band C, so for the vast majority the proposed increases are smaller than the proposed 27p per week.

“Whilst I appreciate any increase is always unwelcome, I have a responsibility to ensure the best achievable position for our communities.  The government has issued budget plans for policing based on me raising the precept at £15 for a Band D home.

“This budget has to take into account the costs the government has imposed in relation to enhanced public sector pay awards and national insurance costs.  The force also continues to face financial challenges due to inflationary costs impacting on spending power.  Due to our effective financial planning and focus on efficiency the force is able to manage to continue to offer more to the public despite the challenging rising costs.  As a resident and taxpayer myself, I always want to know what I’m getting for my money, so it’s only fair that I provide an illustration of what this increase would provide.  I asked Chief Constable Chris Todd to give me his plans to continue to improve the service based on a £14.99 precept increase and he has committed to the following: 

- Operation DRIVE – working with partners to protect victims of domestic abuse by reducing harm and encouraging positive behaviour change among perpetrators.

- Pol-Ed – providing education and engagement programmes to schools to help young people in communities stay informed and safe.

- AI Expansion – using innovative technology to improve services that support victims and strengthen community safety.

- Live Facial Recognition – trialling tools designed to prevent harm and keep people safe in public spaces.

- Digital Forensics – enhancing investigative capabilities to bring offenders to justice and deliver better outcomes for victims.

- Community Engagement – building stronger connections with all communities, including those that are hardest to reach, to ensure everyone feels heard and supported.

“In this survey I am asking if you would support an increase in council tax precept, and which of the options you prefer, or whether you prefer no increase at all. You will also be asked which areas of policing are the most important to you and to provide your views to me on potential for changes in policing so I am best able to speak on behalf of the public I serve once the government publish their white paper for Policing Reform early next year. Thank you for taking the time to give me your views.”

To take the survey, please click here or use the QR Code below.