A Band D home would pay £15 more a year for police and £5 more for fire under the commissioner's plan. The consultation is open until 9am on 12 January.
Households in Northampton are being asked to pay £20 more a year for police and fire services, under plans from Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone. For a Band D home that is £15 more for Northamptonshire Police and £5 more for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, and residents have until 9am on Tuesday 12 January 2027 to give their views. (Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, 10 November 2026)
The consultation survey is here.
What it would mean on a Northampton bill
The police and fire precepts are the parts of council tax set by the commissioner rather than by West Northamptonshire Council. Together they make up 18% of a household’s council tax bill, the commissioner’s office says.
This year a Band D home in West Northamptonshire pays £335.04 for policing and £90.39 for fire, according to the council’s 2026/27 council tax figures. Both charges are the same in every parish, from Duston to West Hunsbury. If the proposals go through unchanged, those lines would become £350.04 and £95.39.
| Precept | Proposed rise at Band D | A week |
|---|---|---|
| Police | £15 a year | 29p |
| Fire | £5 a year | about 10p |
Homes in lower bands pay a smaller share of the Band D figure, and homes in higher bands pay more.
Why the commissioner says policing needs £15 more
The commissioner’s office says the police rise would help keep officer numbers where they are, back stronger neighbourhood policing and let the force keep improving how it responds to and investigates crime.
It says government funding for Northamptonshire Police has not kept up with the county’s growth. Government grants are still based on 2012 population figures, the office says, although Northamptonshire’s population has risen by 17% since then.
Why fire would still face cuts
The £5 for fire is the largest rise the commissioner’s office expects to be allowed. It would help Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service balance its budget, but the office says significant savings would still be needed and could affect frontline services.
It describes the service as the third lowest-funded fire service in the country, under pressure from population growth and from newer risks such as wildfires and flooding.
What Danielle Stone says
“I understand that every household is under pressure, but both policing and fire and rescue services in Northamptonshire are facing growing demand and significant financial challenges,” she said.
“For policing, an increase in the precept is the only way to protect frontline services and maintain officer numbers, while for fire and rescue services, additional funding is needed to help meet rising costs and the increasing risks facing our county.
“I have asked the Government to review the funding Northamptonshire receives, but this year I have no choice but to ask council taxpayers for more and I am now seeking their views through this consultation. The contribution local people make through their council tax helps protect frontline services and ensure they can continue meeting the needs of our communities.”
How to have your say, and what happens next
- Survey: research.net/r/XRKB3FX
- Closes: 9am on Tuesday 12 January 2027
- Who can take part: all residents; staff and volunteers are also encouraged to respond and share the survey, the commissioner’s office says
The commissioner’s final proposals go to the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel at a meeting in February.
Have your say