Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, approved the Policing Budget for 2025-26 at his Public Accountability Conference on Thursday 13 February 2025.
The approved budget will allow the Constabulary to continue to maintain a high level of performance as demonstrated in the most recent HMICFRS inspection report received in July 2024. The report highlighted that Cumbria Constabulary are ‘Outstanding’ in one area of work, ‘Good’ in six areas and ‘Adequate’ in two.
The Policing Precept, which is paid via council tax, will rise by £13.95 (4p a day) for a Band D property to support the continuing cost and inflation pressures that are impacting public sector organisations.
Commissioner David Allen said: “This is my first police budget setting as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria.
“The Constabulary is continuing to achieve excellence and, in order to maintain and build on this level of performance, they need a budget that allows them to do so. This budget will also allow the Chief Constable to deliver on the objectives set in my Police, Fire and Crime Plan that were decided by the public in a consultation in mid-2024.
“We are in a position where savings need to be made and, together with the Chief Constable, we are looking into every area of business to fund and achieve savings whilst still delivering effect Policing to our communities. The Chief has already put in place a detailed programme to achieve savings and efficiencies and this is already identifying areas where savings can be achieved without an impact on front-line services.
“I appreciate that any form of council tax increase is difficult for residents. However, in order to maintain a highly effective and high performing police force, I reluctantly had to increase the policing element of council tax by £13.95 per year for a Band D property. I consulted with our residents on this proposed increase and received support from 63% of those who took part.
“My role is to be the voice of the public on Policing, including the budget, which is why I have put in place processes to hold the Chief Constable and Constabulary to account in how they spend taxpayers money. This is to ensure the money is placed in the areas the public wish to see prioritised and I will make sure that this scrutiny and challenge continues to be provided on behalf of the residents of Cumbria.”
Chief Constable Rob Carden said: “Cumbria is a force that is committed to providing the best possible service to our communities.
“This budget will allow us to maintain and build on the high level of performance that the public of this county rightfully expects and deserves.
“One of the keyways we are continuing to improve performance is by being more visible in our communities.
“Our recent neighbourhood policing pledge reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing a quality policing service through a visible policing presence.
“This budget allows us to continue our ongoing work to provide this visible policing service alongside the work our officers and staff perform every day to prevent and tackle crime, keep people safe and provide a prompt response to issues that matter most to our communities.”
Those interested in the budget breakdown for Policing, can find the information on the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner website.
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.