People in Bath will pay around £14 per year more towards the policing part of council tax, it has been announced.
PCC Clare Moody | Photo © Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody has confirmed the increase for council tax for 2025/26, known as the precept, which equates to around £14 for the average Band D household.
The PCC’s proposal was supported by the Police and Crime Panel on Tuesday 4th February.
The approved increase works out at around £1.16 per month. The decision follows a public consultation where 3,146 residents across the region shared their views.
The majority supported a precept increase of £10 or more (52 per cent).
Each year, the PCC sets the police precept, the portion of council tax that funds local police services.
This funding makes up 43 per cent of Avon & Somerset Police’s overall budget, with the remainder coming from central government grants.
PCC Clare Moody said: “I am grateful to the Police and Crime Panel for their careful consideration of this year’s precept proposal and to everyone who shared their views during the consultation.
“I know the cost of living is a concern for many, and I did not take this decision lightly. It is my responsibility to ensure our police service has the resources to continue tackling crime, keeping communities safe, and improving trust and confidence in policing.
“The additional funding raised will support Avon and Somerset Police in maintaining frontline services, progressing work on priority areas like tackling serious violence and violence against women and girls, and investing in initiatives to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.”
Speaking after the meeting, the Chair of the Panel, Councillor Heather Shearer said: “The additional investment from the precept increase has to deliver real improvements in the service for all our communities.
“We recognise that it is vital for the Police force to be financially supported and that it is a very difficult time for many residents who are currently struggling with rising bills and the cost of living.”
This year’s precept will generate an additional £8.5 million for Avon & Somerset Police.
Without the increase, the service would have faced a significant deficit, even after making the savings committed to in their £6.4 million savings plan over the next year.
