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Cleveland Backs £15 Police Precept Rise as Durham Plan Is Vetoed and Northumbria Seeks 9.45% Hike

Commissioners blame an inadequate national settlement, alongside an outdated funding formula, for pushing up council-tax contributions.

Overview

  • Cleveland’s panel approved PCC Matt Storey’s recommendation, adding £15 to Band D bills for 2026/27, a 4.72% rise with Bands A–C paying £10–£13.33 more.
  • Storey’s office said Cleveland received the worst funding settlement, prompting £3.88m in savings plans and a reduced capital programme for IT and vehicles.
  • County Durham & Darlington’s panel vetoed PCC Joy Allen’s 6.5% rise, urging a £15 limit and a formal request to ministers for extra support.
  • Allen warned that without more flexibility the force faces reductions to PCSOs and staff, as Durham remains 119 officers below 2010 levels.
  • Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth is seeking an exceptional 9.45% precept uplift, worth £12.33 for Band A and £18.50 for Band D, which could be signed off on Friday after consultation support of 59%.