Wiltshire PCC statement on local policing impact of government's comprehensive spending review

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has issued the following statement In light of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review:

He said: “While the increase in national police funding mentioned is a welcome in light of the challenges all forces are facing, it still falls exceptionally short of meeting the full financial pressures on local policing in Wiltshire.

“Wiltshire Police continues to confront distinct cost pressures - rising wages, pension liabilities, and demand - that are not entirely offset by national funding alone. This increase also presumes that I will add to national funding by taking the full precept rise each year with no further guidance available yet as to the flexibility around that.

“Our communities rightly expect a policing service that is visible, engaged and rooted in their neighbourhoods. That is why, despite a constrained financial picture, my focus - and that of Wiltshire Police - is firmly on protecting and enhancing local policing."

Wiltshire and Swindon’s policing budget for 2025/26 includes a 5.2% rise in the policing precept (equivalent to £14 per year for a Band D property) to help offset a significant budget gap. Even with the government’s uplift and maximum precept increase, the force is still required to make £6.8M in savings this year alone.

Mr Wilkinson said: “The Chief Constable is already delivering an ambitious transformation programme and a review of all finances to ensure the force is as efficient as it can while not delivering a poorer policing service.

“My office has committed to only modernising the police estate where needed and ensuring a review of procurement in order to realise vital savings for the Force so it can focus resources where it is needed most - on frontline policing as we know neighbourhood policing is the foundation of trust and confidence in Wiltshire.”

Mr Wilkinson said the Chief Constable was working hard to ensure every pound serves frontline policing while still delivering on his, and the public’s, policing priorities and its local policing commitments by maintaining named beat officers, early intervention schemes, and stronger relationships with schools and local partners.

He added: “The additional ring-fenced government funding of £1.6M for local policing will be fully invested in strengthening our neighbourhood teams, building stronger community relationships and tackling anti-social behaviour where it matters most.

“But this funding is targeted and cannot be used to cover core operational costs. The longer-term sustainability of visible and accessible policing requires fairer national investment.”

Wiltshire Police started a financial review programme earlier this year, looking at three main areas where efficiencies and transformation could be realised including people ( police staff not officers), fleet and estate.

However, the PCC has warned that without a fairer funding formula, the force will face further difficult choices.

Mr Wilkinson said: “We are doing everything possible to protect local policing. But without a long-term national commitment to fund policing properly, we risk undermining the real progress being made under the Chief Constable’s leadership. We know there will be further difficult and tough decisions ahead.

“The national funding model needs to start to recognise the true, sustained cost of policing in rural and small forces. Without proper investment from government, we will be forced to look at further efficiencies which could affect services and stretch already limited resources even further.

“I will continue to lobby Government for a funding model that truly reflects the needs of rural forces like Wiltshire—so we can keep officers in our communities, protect the most vulnerable, and deliver the policing our residents deserve.

“Wiltshire residents expect a police service that is visible, responsive, and effective. My priority remains delivering that—within a very challenging financial environment.”