The Police and Crime Panel is scheduled to consider the Police and Crime Commissioner's proposed precept for the upcoming financial year, alongside reports on rural crime and the work of the Victims' Champions. The panel will also receive an update on complaints and review its work programme.

Police and Crime Commissioner's Proposed Precept for 2026/27

A significant item on the agenda is the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) proposed precept for 2026/27. The report outlines the process for setting this precept, which is the amount collected from local taxpayers to fund policing. The PCC has received provisional government funding for the forthcoming financial year, but this is reported to be insufficient to cover anticipated cost pressures, including pay awards and inflation.

The government has set a cap on the police precept increase, which for 2026/27 is £15 per annum for a Band D property. The provisional settlement indicates an overall funding increase for Durham and Darlington of £8m, with £4.7m from increased government grant and £3.3m assumed from the maximum precept increase. However, even with this increase, financial deficits are forecast.

The PCC has applied to the Home Office for exceptional precept flexibility, requesting an additional £14 on top of the £15 cap, making a total potential increase of £29 per annum for a Band D property. A decision from the Home Office is expected by the end of January 2026, and a verbal update will be provided at the meeting.

Two options are being presented for consideration:

• Option 1 – Standard Precept Increase: A £15 per annum increase for a Band D property, representing the maximum permitted under the government cap.
• Option 2 – Exceptional Precept Increase: An increase of up to £29 per annum for a Band D property, subject to Home Office approval.

The panel is asked to consider these options, note the current funding position, and decide whether to agree or veto the PCC's proposal, producing a report setting out their views.

Rural Crime Report

The panel will receive an overview of how Durham Constabulary is tackling rural crime through the Durham and Darlington Rural Crime Partnerships. This follows the release of the National Rural Crime Strategy for 2025-2028, which focuses on rural crime and wildlife crime. The local strategy has been developed to address specific issues relevant to Durham and Darlington, including theft of agricultural machinery and quads, poaching, livestock thefts, equine tack and trailer thefts, fly tipping, wildlife crime, and domestic abuse and social isolation in rural areas.

The report highlights investment in technology, such as NICHE and SCOUT for identifying crime patterns, and training for staff to better understand the impact of rural offences. Funding has been provided for wildlife cameras, dashcams for Rural Watch members, and equipment to deter crime. The Constabulary has also increased the number of Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) for rural crime and Wildlife Crime Officers. The engagement with rural communities through WhatsApp groups, managed by Rural Watch Coordinators, is noted as a best practice that has been highlighted nationally.

Victims' Champions Annual Update

An update on the work of the Victims' Champions will be presented. The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) includes consulting with victims when setting policing priorities. To ensure victims' voices are heard and their experiences shape future policy, the PCC appointed three Victims' Champions in December 2021: one for anti-social behaviour, one for crime, and one for domestic abuse.

The report details how the Champions engage with victims and support services to understand their lived experience throughout their criminal justice journey. They use a 3R approach: Raise awareness of victims' issues, Respond locally where possible, and seek Reform when a national solution is required. The presentation will cover key deliverables and service improvements during 2025, focusing on communication, empathy, and ensuring victims' needs are met.

Complaints Update

The panel will receive an update on formal complaints received regarding the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) or the Deputy PCC. The report will detail the number of complaints received since the last meeting, including any that have been rejected or are still under consideration. The procedure for handling these complaints was updated in June 2022, and the panel receives regular updates to ensure transparency and effective scrutiny.

Police and Crime Panel Work Programme 2025/26

The panel will review its Work Programme for 2025/26. This programme allows the panel to plan its scrutiny activities, focusing on key areas such as reviewing the PCC's draft Police, Crime and Justice Plan and annual report, and holding confirmation hearings for key appointments. The programme is designed to be flexible to accommodate emerging issues. A report on Road Safety has been deferred to the 2026/27 work programme, and a report on Firearms Licensing has been moved to the March 2026 meeting, with Rural Crime brought forward to this meeting.