Cuts may be needed to balance the budget at North Yorkshire Police after the force received a lower than expected settlement from the government, councillors will be told next week.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is responsible for policing in the county, says the force is facing an unexpected funding cut of £2.6m.
The authority received a 2.8 per cent increase in funding for 2026/27 for the police — compared to a national average of 3.3 per cent.
Even if it introduces the maximum £15 increase in the police share of the tax precept for a band D property, the authority says it will still be left with a shortfall.
North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will meet next week to discuss the provisional police settlement.
A report prepared for the meeting states:
“The lower-than-expected financial settlement provides a challenging financial position as it simply doesn’t provide enough to cover inflation.
“It is possible that cuts will be required simply to balance the 2026/27 budget.”
The report notes that the force is likely to see a total increase in its core funding of four per cent for 2026/27, although 1.4 per cent of this will be used on a pay award agreed last year.
This leaves only 2.6 per cent to cover inflation that is currently 3.5 per cent and pay awards that are forecast to be three per cent.
The report adds:
“Clearly, this will be impossible to meet and will require very difficult decisions, especially given that there are pressures beyond just inflation.”
Commenting on the provisional settlements for the police and fire service, David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“Our police and fire services do an amazing job keeping us all safe.
“It’s vital they have the resources to do that well, but I’m also mindful that when family finances are tight that it’s really important that all public money is being spent well.
“In setting the precept level this year I wanted to ensure we balanced delivering the public services people rightly expect, ensuring those services are able to deliver on the priorities I’ve set out, and placing the minimum burden on council tax payers.”
The report says it appears that funding to support the recruitment of 29 additional police officers in North Yorkshire has been reduced or removed.
The authority is expecting further information on police funding, which will be reported to the panel next month.
Global Microsoft outage causes disruption to councils and schools in North Yorkshire
Two Keighley neighbours win £377,224 each in Postcode Lottery draw
Meet the family behind Drift - Skipton's new restaurant
Skipton MP backs Conservative welfare reform plan
Hundreds of donated spectacles handed over in Skipton
Royal Oak pub reopens under new management with plans for major changes
New Cats Protection superstore to open in Skipton this month
North Yorkshire Council cancels planning meetings amid new government rules
Skipton Repair Café volunteers fix 81 items in one day
Christmas toy appeal launches to help families across Skipton
Kex Gill A59 traffic restrictions expected to be lifted in early December
Talks continue over future of Settle dairy site
Work begins at former Gargrave care home earmarked for 16 affordable homes
Council accused of 'illusion of listening' over school transport consultation
North Yorkshire councillors to vote on next chief executive
Skipton keeps its place among Britain's 10 happiest places to live
Local care provider celebrates double win at Bradford Care Awards
Veterans selling poppies on Northern trains say support from passengers has been 'heartwarming'
Skipton MP raises concerns over proposed visitor levy and impact on rural tourism
£1million of Keighley Cougars stadium funding redirected to Cavendish Street improvements
