Police precept - twelve pounds to keep our coppers
The government has recently announced that the restriction on increases to the police part of the council tax is to be eased this year. This could mean a reduction in the rate of cuts to the force, though we will be paying via our council tax bills. By paying more locally we're also indirectly funding other parts of the country which get higher grants from central government. A consultation, which won't affect the decision to make the increase, is underway.
You can see a video of Police and Crime Commissioner Angus MacPherson outlining the proposals at https://youtu.be/lsKkPmUd1Nc
The policing precept consultation is looking for the views of Wiltshire residents on the proposed increase of £12 a year.
Currently band D households contribute £14.19 per month to local policing: this will rise to £15.19 per month.
As a Force, Wiltshire Police has seen the second highest increase in demand across the country in the last year yet the funding from central government doesn't recognise the increasing pressures the service is under.
Wiltshire gets the fourth lowest funding per head of population in England and Wales.
Since 2010, Wiltshire Police has received £19 million less but has been responding to more crimes and supporting more members of the public year on year.
Without this increase Wiltshire Police would have to look at further reductions in officers and staff to close a budget gap of around £3m.
This increase will mean protecting frontline services from further reductions and maintaining the current level of service.
The consultation runs until midday 31st January 2018 and the PCC wants to hear your views on the increase.
To respond please see the PCC website, or email pcc@wiltshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk or use #AskAngusPCC on social media.