Would you be prepared to pay more for policing in Wiltshire?
PCC posing funding question as part of consultation
Wiltshire's new Police and Crime Commissioner wants to know if households would be prepared to pay more to help fund the force.
Philip Wilkinson has launched a public consultation to help set policing and crime priorities until 2025.
He's also responsible for setting the policing precept head of each financial year.
The Police and Crime Commissioner’s overall budget is made up of 50% funding from central Government, and 50% from local council tax.
The policing precept which is collected with your council tax goes directly to the Police and Crime Commissioner, where 98% is allocated to the Chief Constable and the remaining 2% to the PCCs office for commissioned services which includes supporting victims of crime and early intervention.
In April households saw a 6.9% increase resulting in a rise of £15 per year for the average Band D household to £231.
The decision was taken following public consultation - where 63% of responders supported the increase - and unanimous support from Wiltshire's Police and Crime Panel.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner says the rise drove the recruitment of new officers and added additional capacity in neighbourhood policing, roads safety, and cyber crime among other areas.
As part of the new survey, you are being asked whether you would support an increase, and if so how much.
PCC Philip Wilkinson insists no decisions have been made yet;
“I have made no decisions yet on whether there will an increase next year or not, but have decided to ask the question earlier than usual to ensure that when I need to make the decision, I have a clear understanding of public feeling."
“It’s important that any proposed increase to the policing precept is also guided by my new Police and Crime Plan which will be directly influenced by the priorities outlined by the public."
“This consultation is the chance for every resident to have a say in what is important to them."
“It is terribly important that all our communities get a say and a chance to use their voice for good. Don’t think that I don’t want to hear your views – if it matters to you, it matters to me.”
You can complete the survey which is open until 22nd November, online.
If you are having trouble accessing the online survey or need this in an alternative format or language or need it in paper form then email pcc-consultation@wiltshire.police.uk with any requests.
You can also email your thoughts around policing priorities to the same email address.