Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, is appealing to local residents to help him formulate a "pragmatic" budget for the 2026-27 financial year by participating in a new public survey

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, is appealing to local residents to help him formulate a "pragmatic" budget for the 2026-27 financial year by participating in a new public survey

PCC Launches Public Survey to Shape 'Pragmatic' 2026-27 Budget Amid Financial Uncertainty

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, Rupert Matthews, is appealing to local residents to help him formulate a "pragmatic" budget for the 2026-27 financial year by participating in a new public survey.

Conscious of the challenging financial climate and pending announcements from central government, the PCC has launched a root and branch review of spending to ensure maximum value for money across policing, crime prevention, community safety, and victim support services.

PCC Matthews highlighted the significant uncertainties surrounding central government funding. For the 2025-26 budget of £255 million, the government provided 56%, with the remaining 44% funded by local taxpayers through the Council Tax precept.

"There is a real danger that the national government may seek to put pressure on PCCs to use local taxation to plug the black hole caused by lack of Government funding," Mr Matthews stated.

He further detailed the financial pressures:

• Inflationary Costs: The cost of pay and non-pay inflation for 2026-27 is projected to require an additional £10.9 million.

• Precept Increase: Raising the police precept by the rate of inflation (3.8%) would only deliver an estimated £5.6 million, leaving a significant shortfall.

Public Input is Crucial

Recognising that the public's contribution is vital, Mr Matthews is asking residents to weigh in on how they would like their precept contributions to be managed.

"It is their police force, their community’s safety and their victim support service, so it is only right that they have a say on the budget to cover that," he commented. He also stressed the need to "think outside the box" and "adapt our spending to take into account the ever-changing nature of criminality."

The survey presents residents with several options for the police precept increase for a Band D property:

Option	Weekly Increase*	Annual Impact/Purpose
Option A	More than £0.30	Contribute towards ongoing financial pressures
Option B	£0.27	Match the increase made last year (£14.00 p/a)
Option C	£0.24	Contribute towards the cost of the Central Government-set pay award
Option D	£0.22	Contribute towards the cost of inflation (currently 3.8%)
Option E	£0.00	No increase, which would result in reductions in services

* For a Band D property

The Commissioner is simultaneously lobbying the government for a fair funding settlement and actively seeking ways to reduce waste and duplication to protect frontline services.

Have Your Say

Residents of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland are encouraged to take part in the survey to ensure their views are considered as the final budget is set.

The survey can be accessed here:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/LLRBudgetSurvey26-27/

Making Space for Nature: A Call to Action Across Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland

Making Space for Nature: A Call to Action Across Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland

A crucial initiative has been launched, inviting residents, landowners, and stakeholders across Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland to participate in shaping a vital new nature strategy. The "Making Space for Nature" consultation is focused on the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a comprehensive plan designed to protect and revitalize the region's natural environment.   

Spearheaded by Leicestershire County Council and its partners, the LNRS addresses the pressing challenges of habitat loss, declining species populations, and the escalating impacts of climate change. The strategy aims to establish a framework for practical actions that will bolster biodiversity and create a healthier, more connected natural landscape.   

Key Objectives of the LNRS:

Addressing Environmental Challenges: To tackle habitat loss, shrinking species populations, and the effects of climate change through a holistic, large-scale approach.

Prioritising Habitats and Species: Identifying and focusing on the habitats and species most in need of urgent intervention.   

Building a Connected Environment: Implementing actions to create a thriving and interconnected natural environment.

Balancing Nature and Livelihoods: Fostering an environment where nature can flourish while supporting local communities and their economic activities.

The draft strategy emphasises the importance of diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and urban green spaces, and highlights key species requiring immediate assistance. Recognising the significant role of agriculture in the region, with 80% of the land being farmland, the LNRS actively encourages farmers and landowners to adopt sustainable, nature-friendly practices.

The development of the LNRS is rooted in community engagement. Prior input was gathered through workshops and surveys, with over 1,000 residents and nearly 100 farmers and landowners contributing their insights. Key suggestions from these consultations included creating new habitats, restoring existing ones, and integrating nature into housing and industrial developments.   

How to Participate:

The "Making Space for Nature" survey is now open, offering an interactive platform for residents to provide feedback. The survey features interactive maps, allowing users to explore project details and share their comments. The consultation period runs until Friday, February 28th, and the feedback collected will be used to finalize the LNRS, which is scheduled for publication in the summer.

www.leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/current-engagement/draft-local-nature-recovery-strategy-for-leicestershire-leicester-and-rutland

Voices of Support:

Councillor Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, stating, "It’s a call to action for everyone. Nature is struggling, and we need to step up to help it bounce back. By working together, we can protect our landscapes and wildlife, and create a more sustainable future for everyone."   

Councillor Geoff Whittle, Leicester City Council assistant city mayor for environment & transport, highlighted Leicester's commitment to nature conservation, saying, "I would encourage everyone who cares about our environment to take part in this consultation, to help us build on our biodiversity and nature conservation work for the benefit of future generations."

Councillor Christine Wise, Rutland County Council cabinet member for transport, environment and communities, acknowledged the community's passion for nature in Rutland, stating, "I know people in Rutland will be keen to take part in this consultation. It’s incredibly important and has the potential to make a big difference."

This initiative represents a vital step towards creating a more sustainable and biodiverse future for Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. By actively participating in the consultation, residents can play a crucial role in shaping the region's natural landscape for generations to come.