WILTSHIRE Police will ‘protect officer numbers’ and continue modernising local policing after a £15-a-year rise in the police element of council tax was approved for 2026/27.

The increase, agreed by the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel yesterday (February 4), follows the approval of Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson’s budget, which aims to maintain visible policing while being financially resilient amid rising costs.

For a Band D household, the rise amounts to £15 a year, or about £1.25 a month.

Together with government funding, the police precept makes up the force’s core budget for the coming year.

Despite the increase, Wiltshire Police must still find £4.6 million in savings in 2026/27.

This follows £8 million of efficiencies already delivered in 2025/26, as costs continue to rise for police pay, fuel, utilities and essential equipment.

The cross-party panel said the decision would help protect neighbourhood and response policing, maintain officer visibility and allow the force to continue transforming how services are delivered, at a time when police budgets are under pressure nationally.

Mr Wilkinson said: “This was not an easy decision but it was the right one. The increase protects vital services and supports the continued progress Wiltshire Police is making for our communities.

“Wiltshire remains one of the lowest-funded forces in the country, yet it continues to improve outcomes, visibility and public confidence.

“This budget allows us to hold the line on frontline policing while continuing that improvement journey.

“There are no simple savings left. Without this increase, we would face reductions to services that people rely on every day.

“Protecting neighbourhood policing and public-facing services must come first.”

More than 1,000 people took part in a public consultation on the proposals. Of the 1,015 responses received, 56% supported the proposed increase.

The budget will support investment in neighbourhood policing, operational capability and more efficient ways of working, while allowing the force to adapt to changing demand.

Cllr Junab Ali, chair of the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel, said the decision followed detailed scrutiny.

He said: “We listened carefully to residents’ concerns about affordability and value for money.

“The panel agreed this proposal strikes a difficult but fair balance between protecting local policing and recognising the significant financial pressures facing Wiltshire Police.

“Today’s decision reflects both the financial reality facing policing and our responsibility to ensure Wiltshire continues to receive an effective and visible service.”