Residents in Sittingbourne, Kent, are being asked to help decide how much they will pay for local policing and which services should be a priority for the 2026/2027 financial year. The Office of the Kent PCC launched a public survey this February 03, 2026, to gather feedback on the police portion of council tax. This yearly check-in allows the community to have a direct say in how the police budget is managed and spent.
Commissioner Matthew Scott wants to know if people prefer to keep the current tax rate or pay a small amount more to support local officers. This decision will help determine how many beat officers are available to patrol the town and deal with issues like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour on the high street. According to CrimeRate.co.uk, Sittingbourne has faced crime levels that are higher than the national average, making local feedback on patrols particularly important.
In the previous budget year, the police portion of the tax for a typical home increased by £14 to help cover rising costs and keep officer numbers steady. The current survey gives residents a chance to say if they are willing to see another increase or if they would prefer a freeze on the budget. Mr Scott told Kent Online that he wants to listen to the community before making a final proposal later this month.
People can share their views by filling out the survey on the official budget page or by attending public meetings in the town centre. The results will be used to create a final plan that will be reviewed by the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel at the end of February 2026.
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