Police precept could increase due to rising costs

A police and crime commissioner has warned a rise of £15 per year, per home, in police precept is needed to protect police services from a £4.6m funding gap.

The Wiltshire police and crime commissioner's office has said rising costs, including pay awards, National Insurance, fuel, utilities, essential equipment and increasing demand, has left Wiltshire Police with "no easy options left".

Ahead of inviting the public to share their views on the plan in a survey, PCC Philip Wilkinson stressed: "A smaller – or no – increase would put frontline services at risk".

The proposal will be discussed at Wiltshire and Swindon's Police and Crime Panel meeting at County Hall on15 January.

Wiltshire Police takes the lowest precept per head in the south west, but because the force is awarded one of the lowest Government grants nationally there was no choice but to raise the precept, Wilkinson went on to explain.

"Despite this funding disparity, Wiltshire Police is improving and has made clear progress – more visible officers, faster response times, better justice outcomes," he said.

"Wiltshire is safer and finally our communities are feeling it, but these improvements come at a cost."

Wilkinson guaranteed there will not be a reduction in police officer numbers.

Under the proposal, residents would pay the maximum allowed without triggering a referendum.

"Although the Government has announced its intention to replace Police and Crime Commissioners with new local governance arrangements from 2028, the current model remains fully in place until that transition occurs," said Wilkinson.

"The decisions made now – particularly around funding, investment and long-term transformation – will shape Wiltshire Police well beyond 2028," Wilkinson added.

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