The Civil Nuclear Constabulary has published its Annual Business Plan for 2026/27, setting priorities for armed protective security at civil nuclear sites and selected parts of the wider critical national infrastructure. Published on 7 April 2026, the plan aligns with the Civil Nuclear Police Authority’s three‑year Strategic Plan, now entering its final year. (gov.uk)
Legislative changes underpin the Constabulary’s broader remit. Sections 55A and 55B inserted into the Energy Act 2004 by the Energy Act 2023 allow the CNC to deliver additional armed policing services beyond the civil nuclear sector and to assist other police forces. The 2026/27 plan marks the first full year of operating capability at four designated non‑nuclear sites-Easington, Bacton, St Fergus and Garlogie-appointed in April 2025. (legislation.gov.uk)
The plan also records operational learning from Home Office‑commissioned activity at sea. In 2024 the CNC delivered a Vessel Protection Pilot with officers deployed to British‑flagged cross‑Channel ferries, demonstrating flexibility in protecting transport networks under the new powers. (gov.uk)
The publication lands during a period of policing reform. The Home Office White Paper issued on 26 January 2026 proposes a National Police Service and a move to fewer, larger forces, centralising capabilities such as counter‑terrorism, serious and organised crime, forensics and procurement. The CNC notes it sits outside the initial review but is engaging with the Home Office and other non‑Home Office forces to ensure alignment. (gov.uk)
Resourcing detail is explicit. For 2026/27 the cost profile is 69 percent pay, 24 percent non‑pay and 7 percent capital. The CNPA expects around £11.2 million of Department for Energy Security and Net Zero capital funding for projects over £0.5 million, subject to business‑case approval. Non‑pay pressures reflect higher depreciation from earlier capital investment and increased insurance associated with service expansion. The funding model continues to rely principally on charges to site licence companies, with designated non‑nuclear activity provided on a full cost‑recovery basis to avoid cross‑subsidy. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
Efficiency and assurance targets are set for the year: £2 million in cashable savings and a further £0.5 million in productivity gains; delivery of a balanced budget; an unqualified audit opinion; and an outturn kept within 1 percent of the quarter‑two forecast by year‑end. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
Operational commitments remain centred on 24/7 armed protection at civil nuclear sites and the four non‑nuclear locations, with continued contribution to national armed surge arrangements. The plan schedules alignment to the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme and completion of a carbine replacement by quarter four. Previous reporting indicates the CNC contributes a substantial share of the UK Strategic Armed Policing Reserve. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
People and standards feature prominently. The Code of Ethics is restated, and cultural principles under the ‘Proud to Protect’ initiative were relaunched in March 2026, alongside leadership and training workstreams. Recent government communications have also highlighted the CNC’s wellbeing work under the Police Covenant. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
Oversight and regulation are unchanged. The Civil Nuclear Police Authority employs CNC officers, sets strategic direction and holds the force to account, while the Office for Nuclear Regulation regulates civil nuclear security. The Constabulary remains subject to inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, with DESNZ providing sponsorship and capital funding for major projects. (gov.uk)
Delivery milestones flagged in the plan include relocating CNC headquarters by the end of quarter two, launching a new Digital, Data and Cyber strategy by quarter three, and migrating to the Alpha pension scheme by quarter three. A body‑worn video business case is due in quarter two, with continued development of counter‑drone and cyber resilience measures across the estate. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
For operators and local policing partners, the plan signals steady demand at existing nuclear sites, a maturing non‑nuclear capability at four energy facilities, and assured availability for mutual aid during national incidents. As the final year of the 2024–2027 CNPA cycle, it also lays groundwork for a new three‑year strategy from 2027/28. (gov.uk)