Police boss calls for tax rise to fund Kent force

Kent's police and crime commissioner says he wants to increase council tax to fund policing services after a new survey showed more than half of people who responded had experienced anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The study revealed 2,546 residents, out of 5,401 who replied, said they had experienced rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour, littering, vehicle nuisance, street drinking and drug use.

The survey showed 32% had contacted the authorities, and of those who did report their concerns, more than 67% said they were unhappy with how their cases were handled.

Kent Police said: "Incidents may go unreported as residents sometimes believe what they are experiencing does not warrant police action."

The survey also showed a small increase in the number of people who said they felt safe in public.

But trust in Kent Police scored at 6.46 out of 10, only 0.06 up on the previous year.

Just over two thirds of people said they had reported anti-social behaviour to police and one fifth had reported their concerns to the local council.

Scott said: "Respondents who were unhappy with how their anti-social behaviour cases were handled cited several recurring issues.

"Many felt that reporting was a 'tick-box exercise' with little follow-up.

"A common frustration was the lack of communication, saying they never heard back after reporting or received zero response to follow-up queries," he said.

"Several noted that perpetrators continued their behaviour despite warnings.

"There were also concerns about resource shortages, with comments suggesting officers were overstretched," Scott added.

Leader of the Independent Reformers Group on Kent County Council, Bill Barrett, said: "I'm very pro-police and there are many things they do well.

"But, we need to understand better why this continues to be an issue year on year, and I suspect that it is under-resourcing or not putting resources into the right places."

Supt Rob Marsh from Kent Police said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for Kent Police and while often committed by a very small minority of people our officers are aware of the significant impact it can have on a community.

"We are acutely aware that these incidents may go unreported as residents sometimes believe what they are experiencing does not warrant police action or is not a priority.

"I would urge anyone who is affected to contact us so we can build up an accurate picture of the problems and take the necessary action."

Scott says he is proposing to increase the policing element of council tax meaning the charge for a Band D household would go up by £15 to £285.

He has argued the rise is needed to prevent cuts to policing services as well as protect neighbourhood policing, as national funding is failing to keep pace with rising costs.

The PCC launched his Annual Policing Survey in September 2025 and it ran until the beginning of December.

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