Oxfordshire residents have the chance to share their views on what should be prioritised in next year's local policing budget.

Matthew Barber, the police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, is asking residents to complete his local crime survey, sharing on which areas they would like the policing element of council tax to be focused in the 2025/26 budget.

The survey will play a role in setting the 2025/26 policing budget, which is expected to be finalised by the end of January.

Central government funding allocation for police forces is expected to be received in December.

This funding settlement allows police and crime commissioners to increase council tax for additional investments in local policing.

Last year, increases of up to £13 for a Band D property were permitted.

Mr Barber said: "As police and crime commissioner, it is my responsibility to ensure that Thames Valley Police has sufficient resources to effectively prevent and investigate crime, support victims, and protect communities.

"Setting the policing budget remains a complex process of balancing priorities and I am acutely aware of financial pressures households are under.

"This year, I will be setting the budget, including determining the policing element of council tax, following central government funding decisions that are set to affect employers up and down the country."

He said a shortfall in funding, resulting from changes to the rate and threshold of employers' National Insurance Contributions and a police officer pay rise, will already impose an additional financial pressure of £3.6 million on taxpayers.

This is before considering usual pressures of inflation, the need to invest in new technology, and responses to changes in crime trends, he added.

He continued: "Regardless, residents rightly expect an exceptional service from their police force and I want to develop greater capacity and capability to further cut crime.

"I want to ensure that the policing budget can support this, deliver value for money and address the concerns and priorities of our communities.

"By sharing your views, you will help shape important decisions about police funding and how Thames Valley Police can continue to work to keep our communities safe."

For the last financial year, the increase in council tax of 25p per week has helped to recruit 150 additional police officers, implement a Thames Valley-wide programme to help tackle knife crime, and continue investment in the forensic improvement programme.

It also funded initiatives to tackle retail crime and improve road safety, and continued investment in a Thames Valley-wide CCTV partnership.

Residents of Thames Valley can attend regular public meetings where the policing budget is discussed and reviewed.