The police chief responsible for setting council tax across Somerset and beyond has condemned what she described as "high levels of misogyny" in public responses to this year's police budget consultation.

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody made the comments as the force formally approved its 2026–27 budget in Taunton on Tuesday, February 3 — including a £15 increase to the annual council tax bill for a Band D household.

The rise was agreed after an online public consultation attracted just 321 responses across the entire force area, with the overwhelming majority opposing the plans.

'Pretty unpleasant responses'

Ms Moody criticised the tone of some submissions, saying abuse had been directed at both herself and Chief Constable Sarah Crew.

She raised the issue before the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel — made up of councillors from across the region — as it met at Deane House in Taunton to approve the budget.

She said the force had trialled a new consultation format this year, including an open free-text box, but acknowledged that the approach had drawbacks.

She said the responses included "pretty unpleasant" comments and added that some reflected "really high levels of misogyny", describing this as an increasing feature of public engagement.

Low turnout, strong opposition

The consultation ran from December 19, 2025 to January 28, 2026 and was promoted online by the police.

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Despite the scale of the force area — covering Somerset, Bristol and parts of neighbouring counties — fewer than 400 people responded.

That figure contrasts sharply with Somerset Council's own budget consultation, which attracted more than 1,400 responses.

Of those who took part in the police survey:

• 44 per cent gave direct feedback on police spending or the budget
• 22 per cent commented on other issues
• 34 per cent submitted responses classed as blank or unusable

Among usable responses, 86 per cent were negative, with more than 62 per cent of respondents saying they had little or no confidence in their local police force.

Almost seven in ten respondents (69 per cent) said they did not support any increase in the police's share of council tax.

What the £15 rise pays for

The approved budget increases the police precept — the portion of council tax that funds policing — by £15 a year for an average Band D household.

Police leaders say the increase is needed to meet rising costs, protect frontline services and maintain officer numbers amid inflation and national funding pressures.

The precept is set independently of Somerset Council and is added to residents' overall council tax bills alongside charges for local councils, fire services and adult social care.

Budget approved despite concerns

Despite the strength of opposition in the consultation, the Police and Crime Panel unanimously approved the budget after around two hours of debate.

Panel members acknowledged concerns about public confidence and engagement, but agreed the budget was necessary to maintain policing capacity.

Ms Moody's role as police and crime commissioner is due to be abolished by May 2028, when governance of police forces is expected to transfer to elected mayors as part of national reforms.

Reporting: Daniel Mumby/LDRS