Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel Approve Police and Crime Commissioner’s 2026/27 budget

Wiltshire Police will be able to protect police officer numbers and continue modernising local policing - while saving and transforming for the future, says PCC Philip Wilkinson, after the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel approved his 2026/27 budget.

The budget proposal, presented by Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson at the panel’s meeting on 4th February, is designed to maintain visible and responsive policing across the county while ensuring the force remains financially resilient in the face of rising costs.

Wiltshire Police must still find £4.6M in savings in 2026/27, despite £8M efficiencies already delivered in 2025/6, as costs continue to rise: including police pay, fuel, utilities and essential equipment alongside the precept increase.

The cross-party panel approved an increase in the police element of council tax of £15 per year for a Band D household – around £1.25 a month. The police precept, together with Government funding, are the two sources which form the police budget for the upcoming year.

The decision will help Wiltshire Police protect neighbourhood and response policing, maintain officer visibility, and continue transforming how services are delivered, despite significant financial pressures affecting forces nationally.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip 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.”

The Commissioner also thanked residents who took part in the public consultation, which helped inform the final proposals considered by the panel. A total of 1,015 people responded, with 56 per cent supporting the proposed increase.

The approved budget enables Wiltshire Police to remain visible, responsive and effective while continuing to adapt to changing demand and ongoing financial challenges. It supports continued investment in neighbourhood policing, operational capability and more efficient ways of working.

Mr Wilkinson said: “I thank the panel for its cross-party support for a budget that protects frontline policing while allowing Wiltshire Police to save, sustain and transform for the future.

“This decision enables the force to modernise its services, respond to changing demand and deliver policing that remains effective, efficient and rooted in the communities it serves. While there were no easy choices this year, this increase is essential to maintaining operational capacity and visible policing across Wiltshire.”

Chair of the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel, Councillor Junab Ali, said: “We listened carefully to residents’ concerns about affordability and value for money.

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

“This approval followed a robust and transparent process. While the panel will continue to hold the Commissioner to account for the delivery of policing for all our communities, today’s decision reflects both the financial reality facing policing and our responsibility to ensure Wiltshire continues to receive an effective and visible service.”