Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, is urging Thames Valley residents to share their views on priority areas for the local policing budget in 2026/27.
Matthew Barber is asking residents to share their views on which priority areas they would like to see the policing element of council tax (the precept) used for in the 2026/27 budget by completing his ongoing local crime survey.
Despite the Government announcing last week that they intend to abolish the PCC role, the transition to a new model is not due to take place before 2028. It currently remains therefore the PCC’s statutory duty to set the policing budget and to engage residents on how their precept is spent.
The Police and Crime Commissioner is due to set next year’s budget for Thames Valley Police by the end of January 2026.
Matthew Barber said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to ensure that Thames Valley Police has sufficient resources to effectively prevent and investigate crime, support victims and protect communities.
“Setting the policing budget remains a complex process of balancing priorities. Policing is operating in a challenging economic environment and I am also acutely aware of financial pressures households continue to face.
“I expect to receive Thames Valley Police’s funding allocation from central Government in December which will assume an increase in Council Tax as well as police forces making efficiency improvements.
“Thames Valley Police continues to make productivity and efficiency improvements to balance the policing budget with an additional £15m of savings this year, and further savings planned for future years. Despite these financial pressures, the force is delivering 68 additional neighbourhood officers this year which is on top of the increase of 150 over the previous two years.
“Residents rightly expect an exceptional service from their police force and my role is to ensure that through good financial choices next year’s policing budget can deliver this, address local concerns and priorities and achieve value for money for taxpayers.
“By sharing your views, I can better understand the policing priorities of residents in keeping communities safe. You can complete my Local Crime Survey at https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/survey/.”
The allocation of central government funding for police forces is expected to be received in December.
Alongside this, the funding settlement allows Police and Crime Commissioners to increase council tax in order to make additional investments in local policing. Last year, increases of up to £14 (for a Band D property) were permitted.
Alongside the ongoing local crime survey, residents are able to attend regular public Performance and Accountability meetings where the policing budget is discussed and reviewed. Further details can be found on the PCC website.
The survey can be completed at https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90503915/OPCC-public-consultation or by visiting the PCC website.
If you would like to share your views on the policing budget for 2026/27, please complete the survey by 12pm (noon) on Friday 2nd January 2026.
