Wiltshire policing precept rise approved by PCC
That's expected to fund an extra 32 police officers for the county
Last updated 3rd Feb 2023
We will be paying more towards policing in Wiltshire as part of our council tax from April.
An average £15 a year increase has been approved, following a consultation by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson.
He's said the precept rise will directly lead to 32 extra police officers in Wiltshire.
In total, the force plans to recruit 162 new officers over the next year - which would increase the total number of officers in the force overall by 32, once that's balanced against the number of officers expected to leave the service.
The Police and Crime Panel for Wiltshire has unanimously approved the funding plan, following a public consultation.
Here's how much you'll pay for the policing part of council tax in Wiltshire from April under the new plan:
The rise means the total funding for Wiltshire Police in the next financial year will be nearly £148.3 million - 52.7% comes from central government and 47.3% from council tax contributions.
Wiltshire PCC, Philip Wilkinson said:
"I wish I didn't have to ask as I am very aware of the cost of living crisis and the inflationary pressures our residents are feeling.
"However Wiltshire Police is having to deal with those same pressures. If I do not increase the precept, I will be over £4m short of delivering the service that our residents want and deserve.
"Even by putting the precept up by £15 a year, there are still savings that need to be made. I'm confident that the Chief Constable and I can put in place the necessary cost efficiencies whilst at the same time, delivering a better service for the public."
Mr Wilkinson also reiterated his commitment to continue to lobby government for a better funding formula in order to level up Wiltshire in line with similar forces across the country.
Wiltshire is the third lowest-funded force area, per head of population, and has the lowest council tax in the South West. Mr Wilkinson said:
"If Wiltshire Police was to be paid the national average for each head of population in Wiltshire and Swindon, I would be able to afford something in the region of an extra 100 fully trained and fully equipped police officers.
"This is why I have written to the Home Secretary to arrange a meeting to discuss this important issue and have regular meetings with ministers and MPs to talk about these issues.
"We have seen an increase in demand and our officers are also taking on responsibilities of other emergency services, which adds to their workload.
"I need to be able to explain the pressures we are facing to the Home Secretary and demonstrate that I've done everything I can to raise funds locally before asking for more money from central government."