Average £15 a year increase proposed for Wiltshire policing
The county's Police and Crime Commissioner wants to hear our views
Last updated 15th Dec 2022
An average £15 a year is being proposed towards Wiltshire Police in the next financial year (2023/24).
The county's PCC, Philip Wilkinson, is putting forward the rise in the policing part of out council tax precept, to help provide 'the necessary resources to fight and prevent crime'.
A 6.2% increase is being proposed, which works out as £15 a year for a Band D property, or £1.25 a month.
This comes as the Government has increased the cap on police precept, without local referendum, with our PCC requesting the maximum amount possible from taxpayers.
Philip Wilkinson says that if the precept remained at the same level as this year, Wiltshire Police would have to make £5.5 million of savings next year.
“As with everyone’s finances during this time, Wiltshire Police is facing increased financial pressures too. This comes at a time when we really need to be investing in our policing service to keep people safe and prevent crime but also ensure the necessary changes and improvements to bring the Force out of the HMIC Engage process.
“During the last year, communities have reinforced the need for more frontline police officers – and I agree with them. Using your precept support, we will have more visible policing.
“Working with the Chief Constable, and on his operational advice, we are aiming to deliver 40 additional police officers for neighbourhood and volume crime teams by the annual review of the current workforce mix. This means Wiltshire Police will better meet the needs of our communities.
“These additional officers will bolster the Force’s work in the community and in crime investigation and are in addition to the Uplift officers who are also coming through the recruitment and training pipeline into our communities, as well as those assigned to specialist roles and the rural crime team for example.”
He's launched a survey to ask us what we think about a possible rise, which can be answered online:
“I understand any proposed increase, no matter how small, will be felt keenly. The decision to ask residents for support for an increase has been difficult and one that I would not make if there was an alternative.
"Wiltshire is currently one of the lowest-funded police forces in the UK and the county's residents pay one of the lowest police precepts out of all the south west police forces - even with the proposed increases, this will remain.
"To ensure Wiltshire Police has the best possible financial position we have to consider utilising the increase in precept cap, up to a maximum £15 a year and I will add this information in to my survey for residents to consider too. My financial team is currently working through this scenario and we have more information to support this in January."