Households in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, will pay more as part of a countywide increase in the policing precept this year, with some of the extra funding earmarked to put more officers on local streets. The Essex Police, Fire and Crime Panel approved a £14.94 annual increase for a typical Band D property on February 4, 2026.
The increase brings the policing part of the council tax to £275.31 per year. According to the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), the extra money is needed because central government funding did not fully cover recent police pay rises and other rising costs.
Local leaders say the extra funding is vital for Clacton-on-Sea, where the overall crime rate is currently about 72% higher than the average for the East of England. Local crime statistics and reporting also indicate anti-social behaviour remains a dominant concern for residents and businesses in the town centre.
While the budget focuses on adding more officers to neighbourhood teams and town-centre patrols, it also includes measures to save money in other areas. Reports from the Echo (echo-news.co.uk) say more than 100 staff roles could be cut as part of the savings needed to balance the force’s budget.
The new tax rates will take effect in the April 2026 council tax cycle. Local reporting in the Clacton & Frinton Gazette says residents will see the extra money used to support specialised town-centre teams and increased patrols.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
