68% of Wiltshire residents willing to pay more for policing

Residents in Wiltshire have said they would be prepared to pay a higher council tax in order to improve policing in the area.

A survey by Wiltshire & Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was launched last month to gauge public reaction to a proposal which could see the police precept rise by up to £30 a year.

The initial findings shows that around 68% of respondents would be willing to pay more into their council tax for an improvement in the police service.

For the average Band D property, this would be an extra £15 a year - or £1.25 a month - increase on their council tax.

The proposed police precept means the amount you pay for policing in your council tax would go up 6.2%, up from 4.1%, following a decision by the Government to increase the cap on police precept without a local referendum.

So far, more than 1,572 people have responded to the survey, which remains open until the end of January.

Why the force is asking the question

Local policing is funded by a number of channels - Home Office money, a number of grants, and something called the 'precept', which is paid for in every household's council tax bill.

The PCC is responsible for setting the amount of money people across our region pay for local policing, through the precept, with Government setting how much it can go up by every year.

The Government assume PCCs will ask for the maximum allowed for the following year, which are then used to help with setting budgets.

This year, that would mean an increase of £15 a year for an average Band D property.

However, despite asking for a rise in the council tax precept, the force have said there will still be a black hole in their finances.

With no precept increase, Wiltshire Police would have to make £5.5m savings and with an average £15 increase, the force would still need to make £3.1m savings but it "becomes more achievable", a spokesperson said.

Wiltshire & Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson said:

“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.

“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.

“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."

In July of last year, Wiltshire Police was placed under special measures - or the so-called Engage process - after an inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary highlighted several areas of concern within the force.

More recently, in December, a further review revealed the force is still not investigating crime "effectively" and in some areas its performance has "deteriorated" - specifically when it comes to carrying out investigations and in supporting victims.

Originally, the PCC could only increase the precept by 4.1% - through the police part of the council tax - and meant an average Band D household would pay an extra £10 a year, 83p a month or £251.47 annually.

PCC Philip Wilkinson added:

“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."

More details on what savings and efficiencies will be made and where any precept increase would be invested will be available in the new year, said a police spokesperson, once confirmation of the central grant from government is received.

Residents can access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PZKQQSG

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