THE COUNTY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has urged residents to back a proposed rise in the police precept warning that without it policing services and recent improvements could be put at risk.

Philip Wilkinson said the increase is needed to protect frontline policing at a time when Wiltshire Police is facing rising costs and a £4.6 million savings requirement for 2026/27, despite being one of the lowest-funded forces in England.

The proposal would see households in a Band D property pay an extra £15 a year – the maximum increase allowed without triggering a local referendum – which Mr Wilkinson said would still leave Wiltshire residents paying less for policing than most areas in the south west.

Wiltshire Police receives around £30 less per person than the national average due to the government’s funding formula, with the police precept and central grant together making up the force’s entire budget.

Mr Wilkinson said that while the force has made clear progress over the past year – including improved response times, increased officer visibility and better justice outcomes – continued pressure from rising costs such as pay awards, National Insurance, fuel and utilities means there are “no easy options left”.

“A smaller – or no – increase would put frontline services at risk,” he said. “A larger increase isn’t viable without a referendum, which would waste money we need for policing.

“Every internal saving is being looked at and squeezed.”

The PCC has guaranteed that there will be no reduction in police officer numbers with planned savings expected to come from workforce redesign, technology efficiencies and further rationalisation of police buildings.

Mr Wilkinson has launched a public consultation, Use Your Voice: Budget and Precept 2026/27, inviting residents to share their views on whether the proposed increase is fair and proportionate.

He said the decisions made now would shape policing in Wiltshire beyond 2028, despite plans to replace PCCs with new governance arrangements in the future.

Wiltshire Police’s budget and the proposed precept increase will be discussed at the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Panel meeting at County Hall on January 15.