The Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel met on Monday 02 February 2026 to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's Budget and Precept Proposal for 2026/27. The panel approved a £15 increase to the council tax precept for a Band D property, which will generate additional funding for policing services. The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the financial stewardship of North Lodge and the ongoing local government reform.

North Lodge Financial Stewardship and Statutory Compliance

A public speaker, Mr Harry Wilson, raised concerns about the escalating costs and alleged neglect at North Lodge. He highlighted a 193% increase in forecasted capital expenditure for the project, which has remained derelict since 2011. Mr Wilson also questioned the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) admission of not holding statutory health and safety records for asbestos removal, suggesting a breach of statutory duty.

In response, the PCC, Philip Seccombe TD, explained that the initial budget for North Lodge was an estimate to make the building weathertight, which had been completed. However, the discovery of bats, a protected species, led to a pause in works for 12 months, as requested by Warwick District Council. Further issues discovered during surveys also contributed to projected cost increases. The PCC stated that all decisions were based on evidence, compliance, and long-term value, ensuring responsible use of public funds. Due to the increased costs and the property having no operational benefit to Warwickshire Police, the decision was made to sell North Lodge on the open market in its existing condition in the spring. Regarding asbestos records, the PCC confirmed that records are maintained for the wider police estate and annual inspections take place. He stated that the garage at North Lodge, demolished in 2022, did not contain asbestos, negating the need for a disposal certificate and therefore no breach of statutory duties had occurred. Mr Wilson contested the claim that the building was watertight, stating it was in a state of decay.

Police and Crime Commissioner's Budget and Precept Proposal for 2026/27

The panel considered the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) budget and precept proposal for 2026/27. The budget has been developed amidst rising demand, increasing costs, and economic uncertainty. The national context includes the planned abolition of PCCs in 2028 and long-term structural reforms to policing, with the funding formula acknowledged as outdated but not to be addressed until wider reforms are complete, potentially by 2034. Warwickshire is noted as the most disadvantaged force in England and Wales in terms of government grant per head.

The proposed budget includes a £15 precept increase for a Band D property, representing a 4.94% rise. This increase is deemed necessary to cover a 4.2% salary increase for staff and other inflationary costs, alongside a commitment from the Chief Constable to make £2 million in savings. Public consultation indicated that just over half of respondents supported an increase at or above the £15 level, provided it delivered visible improvements. Without this increase, significant reductions to frontline services would be necessary.

The budget aims to deliver faster response times, stronger and more visible neighbourhood policing, sustained improvements in call handling, and better investigations with improved outcomes for victims. It also includes investment in specialist teams, a new records management system (£2.2 million), and a training block (£2 million). Ethical use of technology, including AI, is also a priority. Funding for victim services, including domestic abuse and sexual violence support, will continue at £4.112 million. Community safety partnerships will receive £35,000 per district and borough, with over £325,000 allocated to small projects and grants. The PCC's own office will make £100,000 in savings.

Concerns were raised about the loss of specific anti-social behaviour (ASB) funding, which previously amounted to £1 million annually. The PCC acknowledged this loss would impact partner organisations like wardens and rangers, but stated that strengthening safer neighbourhood teams would help maintain hotspot patrolling, albeit with police officers and PCSOs. The panel sought clarity on key performance indicators (KPIs) for ASB reduction and requested statistics to demonstrate improvements. The PCC committed to providing these figures and to establishing baselines and targets for ASB hotspots.

The panel discussed the financial pressures facing Warwickshire, being the most underfunded force per capita. The PCC explained that the £15 precept increase was chosen to avoid penalising residents further for government funding shortfalls. The budget assumes a 3% pay increase and 1.7% council tax growth, with reserves in place to manage potential shortfalls. The panel also discussed the adequacy of reserves and plans for future savings, noting that further savings of £5.608 million would be required over the medium term.

The panel recommended approval of the budget and precept proposal, with specific recommendations regarding the ASB element and the council tax base.

Local Government Reform Update

The panel received an update on local government reform in Warwickshire. Following a decision by Warwickshire County Council on 14 October 2025 to favour a single unitary authority, this preference has been submitted to the government. The panel was also informed of the government's decision to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) by 2028, with the role potentially transferring to elected mayors or police and crime boards. The PCC expressed concern about the lack of detail and the manner in which this announcement was communicated to staff. The panel expressed disappointment at the handling of the announcement and agreed to write to the government regarding the human cost and communication of such decisions. The panel also agreed to add Local Government Reform to its work programme as a standing item to ensure continued focus on the future of policing in Warwickshire.

Work Programme

The panel reviewed its work programme, agreeing to add a standing item on Local Government Reform. They also agreed to receive a report on the quality of service provided by the 101 service and to receive end-of-year outturn figures for ASB initiatives by the June meeting. The work programme also includes updates on the PEEL report, the Warwickshire Joint Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report, and the Police and Crime Panel's own Annual Report.

Future Meetings

The dates for future meetings of the panel were confirmed as Monday 15 June 2026, Thursday 1 October 2026, Monday 16 November 2026, Monday 1 February 2027 (for precept setting), and Thursday 22 April 2027. All meetings are scheduled to commence at 2:00 pm in Committee Room 2, Shire Hall.