6.9% tax RISE proposed for Wiltshire's residents to fund the county's police force
The Police and Crime Commissioner wants to know if locals are prepared to fork-out to "maintain and improve frontline services"
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is proposing another increase in tax for local residents, to fund his officers.
In April 2020, Wiltshire households in an average Band D property saw a £10 rise in their Council Tax bill towards the policing precept. They could now face another hike.
Angus Macpherson wants a further 6.9% increment in Council Tax contributions, equating to £15 annually for every Band D household.
It means their bills would rise from £216 to £231 for the next tax year, still lower than both the regional and national average.
'This increase will be felt more keenly than ever'
Mr Macpherson has warned if the policing part of the precept is not increased, the force would have to find savings of more than £3 million next year.
According to the PCC, Wiltshire Police would then have no alternative but to reduce the number of staff undertaking essential services.
He admits any rise will be a bitter pill to swallow for residents:
"In normal times an increase in contributions will be felt by our communities but after this year, I realise this increase will be felt more keenly than ever before.
"The decision to ask for your support for a £15 per year increase has been a difficult one - and one that I would not make if there was an alternative. But there isn't.
"Simply put, your agreement to this increase will mean Wiltshire Police will be able to continue to maintain and improve our essential, frontline services".
'Wiltshire Police is delivering significant value for money'
The extra funding, which equates to £1.25 a month, means that Wiltshire Police will recruit 46 additional officers in 2021/22.
The Force is also on track to meet this year's recruitment target of 65 new police by March.
The total number of officers will then hit 1,050, the highest it's been for six years.
Mr Macpherson added:
"We need to keep up the investment in order to continue with progress. We are the lowest-funded Force in the South West and I believe Wiltshire Police is delivering significant value for money.
"Our police service does a tremendous job, against ever-changing demand, in keeping crime low and providing the service you demand from your police service".
More reasoning for the proposed funding hike is given here:
The consultation opens Tuesday 2 February.