Lisa Townsend’s suggested 4.4 per cent increase in the policing element of council tax, known as the precept, was approved at a meeting of Surrey’s Police and Crime Panel at Woodhatch Place in Reigate this afternoon.
Nine members of the Panel voted on the Commissioner’s proposal, with seven votes in favour and two against.
It means an average Band D property in the county will be charged £15 extra a year, or just over £1 more each month, during 2026/27.
Recommendation approved
The Commissioner said that the council tax rise would ensure Surrey Police can continue to build on the fantastic progress already made – keeping more criminals off the streets, strengthening neighbourhood policing and ensuring victims receive the support they need.
Lisa said the Force is making “incredible” strides, doubling the number of charges across the board and solving 40 per cent more crimes.
Burglary rates have been cut by 14 per cent over the past year, while charges for shoplifting have increased by 465 per cent and charges for rape have doubled.
These improvements have taken place against a backdrop of rising demand and increasing cost pressures, with the Force still needing to find savings of £5.5million this year and a further £8.1million over the following three years.
Survey completed
For every pound of the precept set, Surrey Police receives an extra half a million pounds.
The total contribution towards policing for an average Band D household will now stand at £352.57 for 2026/27.
During December and January, the Commissioner’s office carried out a public survey in which more than 2,400 people gave their views on her proposal.
The proposal was originally based on the assumption the Government would allow PCCs to raise a maximum of £14 a year on a Band D property in line with previous years.
“Incredible strides”
57 per cent of respondents supported the proposal. In fact, the settlement for this year allowed a maximum precept of £15, which the Commissioner proposed to the Police and Crime Panel today.
Lisa said: “Surrey Police has made incredible strides over the last two years in challenging circumstances.
“I have been all over the county talking to residents who have told me loud and clear that they want to see: visible policing in their communities and our teams tackling the crimes that are important to them where they live.
“And Surrey Police are delivering. Burglary rates are down, vehicle crime is down, shoplifting charges have risen by 465 per cent, and the overall charge rate has more than doubled.
Force’s successes
“This has only been made possible by the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax, which remain absolutely crucial.
“I vowed last year that the precept will always be used to ensure that our officers and staff are doing what only they can – fighting crime, taking offenders off our streets and keeping our communities safe.
“I make that same pledge again today. These improvements must be sustained and built on by the Force and I know the Chief Constable is up to the challenge.
“It is of course never easy to ask the public to pay more money for their policing and it is not a decision I take lightly.
Challenges ahead
“But in the face of some tough financial challenges, we have a stark choice. The reality is that without the precept increase, we risk undoing all the hard work Surrey Police have put into the last two years, as well as providing a reduced service to our communities.
“That is not a risk I am prepared to take. Our survey showed that the majority of the Surrey public who took part support this view, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to give me their thoughts.
“We live in challenging financial times and setting the 2026/27 budget has been particularly difficult.
“Funding from central Government simply isn’t adequate and among the pressing financial issues we must solve is a £2.2million bill for a well-deserved increase in officer pay.
Commissioner’s responsibilities
“The Government calculated its costs on the deeply flawed national funding formula, which disadvantages Surrey residents, and I will continue to lobby for fairer funding for the remainder of my tenure.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, my responsibility extends beyond the Force itself.
“I also commission vital services for victims and invest in prevention and early intervention.
“Victims of criminality, often the most vulnerable in our society, are facing ever-lengthening court delays, with some trials now set for 2029. Our support services are being pushed to the brink of a funding cliff-edge as they try to help as many of these victims as possible.
Looking to the future
“Where Government funding does not adequately cover these services, it falls to me to ensure they are protected. This is why I included specific provision for this work in my precept proposal.
“I am pleased that the budget, including the council tax increase, has been confirmed today.