The budget is set by the Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner on an annual basis. It establishes what the Commissioner intends to spend on policing, fire & rescue services and crime reduction across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The Medium-Term Financial Strategy is the Commissioner’s key financial planning document setting out the budget requirement for the next four years. The majority of funding comes from central government grants. A smaller proportion is raised through the use of reserves and locally through council tax.
Council Tax - A message from Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner
“This has been another challenging year for setting the budgets for our Police and Fire & Rescue services. Once again, government grant funding does not fully cover the increased cost of inflation, pay rises, or national policy decisions. The government talks about increased ‘spending power’ for emergency services, but unfortunately this relies on above-inflation increases in local council tax.
“My preference would always be not to raise council tax. However, this would lead to real cuts in your services and a reduction in their capability to keep you safe, and I do not believe that is what any of us want. Every penny raised will be focused on strengthening both services so they are fit for the future. This, coupled with robust savings, will mean we are all better off and safer. It will allow us to continue investing in officers and staff, maintain our firefighter numbers, and ensure they have the equipment and skills required to keep themselves – and you – safe.
“Staffordshire Police is delivering tangible results for residents. Neighbourhood crime fell by 13%, and home burglaries by 24%, between October 2024 and September 2025. Targeted summer patrols across 19 hotspot locations saw over 90 arrests and a 26% reduction in knife crime in those areas.
“Staffordshire Fire & Rescue continues to evolve to meet new challenges, including the fire risks associated with climate change, waste sites and new battery technologies. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services graded the service as outstanding at responding to major and multi-agency incidents, and their support for other areas of demand, such as health, were highlighted as good practice.
“I believe the increases below provide the best possible foundation for both services to continue keeping our communities safe.
- 5.2% increase for Police & Crime (an extra £15 per year for a band D property)
- 5.4% increase for Fire & Rescue (an extra £5 per year for a band D property)
