Residents are set to pay around £15 extra a year for policing in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire from April.

A 5.22% increase in the police precept is being proposed by the area's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams – meaning residents living in band D properties would see their annual bill go up to £302.57.

Mr Adams is set to present his annual budget proposals to councillors at Monday's Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime meeting (February 2).

Panel members will be asked to back the proposal to increase the 2026/27 policing precept, which is part of residents' annual council tax bill.

Speaking ahead of the meeting he said: "I recognise the pressures facing households and remain committed to keeping council tax as low as possible. However, failing to act now would risk service reductions and higher costs in the future.

"Over the past three years, my office and Staffordshire Police have met demanding savings targets through a robust transformation programme.

"While the force already delivers strong value for money, further efficiencies are needed.

"A renewed programme will deliver £15m of additional savings next year to protect frontline services.

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"The budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy I will present provide the best possible foundation for Staffordshire Police to continue keeping our communities safe."

The meeting, which will be live-streamed online from 10am on Monday, takes place a week after major national policing reforms were announced by the Government.

A review will be launched into reducing the number of police forces across England and Wales, while ministers are set to be handed new powers to intervene directly in failing forces.

Mr Adams said: "I am pleased with the progress Staffordshire Police has made.

"Improvements across almost all areas highlighted by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reflect the commitment of officers, staff and volunteers – I thank them all for their continued dedication to Staffordshire's communities.

"Staffordshire Police continues to deliver tangible results for residents; neighbourhood crime fell by 13% between October 2024 and September 2025, with home burglaries down by 24%. Targeted summer patrols across 19 hotspot locations led to over 90 arrests and a 26% reduction in knife crime in those areas.

"Investment in victim care has also paid off. A new victims' portal has helped deliver an 11% increase in positive victim feedback and improved service."