A new budget proposal for policing in Staffordshire has outlined plans to cut up to 80 non-police officer positions as part of a £9.9 million cost-saving initiative.
Ben Adams, Staffordshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, has also proposed an increase in local council tax to help fund policing services, asking residents to contribute an additional £14 annually.
The proposed cuts would eliminate 70 to 80 roles, the majority of which are currently vacant. These job reductions are part of an effort to make savings in the face of insufficient government funding.
Adams explained that, while it is his “duty” to ensure effective police services, “difficult choices” had to be made in order to balance the budget.
The cuts are expected to affect various departments, including the specialist crime command and the public protection unit, which may see vacant positions removed or reviewed.
To help cover the budget shortfall, Adams has proposed a 5.12% increase in the policing council tax precept.
This would result in an additional £14 per year, or 27p per week, for a Band D household. If approved, this increase would bring the Band D contribution to policing in Staffordshire to £287.57 for the 2025-26 financial year.
This proposed increase is the maximum allowed for this year, as stipulated by government regulations.
In addition to the proposed job cuts and council tax rise, Staffordshire’s police budget includes other measures to generate savings and increase revenue.
These include £100,000 in expected income from solar power initiatives and £250,000 in procurement savings across the force. These measures aim to offset the financial pressures faced by the police service.
The government has confirmed that its final policing funding settlement for 2025-26 will include an extra £1.1 billion for police forces nationwide, which may alleviate some financial pressures on Staffordshire Police and other forces across the UK.
The proposed budget will be reviewed by members of the Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel in their upcoming meeting on Monday. If approved, the new budget, along with the job cuts and tax increase, will come into effect in the 2025-26 financial year.
