MPs demand funding for Police service Wiltshire "deserves and needs"
Six Wiltshire MPs have written a letter to the Home Secretary calling for a review of the funding formula
Wiltshire MP's calling for a review of the police funding formula have told us why they signed a letter to the Home Secretary.
The cross-party group of six have sent the letter to Yvette Cooper as Wiltshire Police faces a funding black hole of millions of pounds.
The group is concerned that, without action, the force will face an increasing budget deficit and it's forward momentum of improvements will be derailed.
South Cotswolds MP, Roz Savage, says it's an issue that goes beyond political beliefs.
She said: "People across all political parties, MP's and residents alike want to see Wiltshire have adequately funded policing and at the moment there is a real risk that Wiltshire is already behind and, because of the way that the funding is calculated, is going to fall further and further behind the rest of the country."
Dr Savage added that it's vital a united front is displayed in order to secure Wiltshire the police service it "needs and deserves".
Salisbury MP John Glen wants Wiltshire's characteristics to be considered moving forwards.
He said: "It's really important that if the police are going to continue to meet public expectations and deliver the sort of service that we expect that the rural character of most of the county of Wiltshire is recognised and that the funding formula is adjusted to reflect the additional costs of delivering police services."
Brian Mathew for Melksham and Devizes, described the disparity between Wiltshire's average funding per person against the national average as "a problem".
He said: "Wiltshire gets around £129 per head, as opposed to the national average which is£164, so you can see from that there is a problem.
"With the precept rise based on percentage increases, if all areas opt for the maximum precept Wiltshire will fall behind each year, compounding the problem."
Chippenham's Sarah Gibson says it's leaving farmers exposed to rural crime.
"I've heard directly from farmers who've experienced livestock theft, damage to their machinery and ongoing threats, without seeing a timely response from the police due to stretched resources.
"It's unacceptable and I share their frustration."
The letter has also been signed Danny Kruger for East Wiltshire and South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison.