The Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel met on 15 January 2026 to discuss the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) draft budget for 2025-26 and the associated precept consultation. The panel also reviewed the forward work plan and discussed communications strategies. A key decision made was to note the report and the planned consultation process with Wiltshire and Swindon residents regarding the proposed precept increase.

PCC Draft Budget and Precept Consultation

The meeting focused heavily on the proposed budget for 2025-26 and the consultation regarding the police precept. Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson, OBE, MPhil, presented a strategic overview, highlighting the potential impacts of devolution and police reform on Wiltshire Police. He noted that the forthcoming Police Reform White Paper was expected to detail government proposals, potentially leading to the amalgamation of smaller police forces into larger ones, which could affect Wiltshire Police's future structure. While acknowledging potential efficiencies in corporate services through amalgamation, the PCC stressed that operational policing should remain community-led.

David Moran, interim Chief Financial Officer of the OPCC, provided a detailed presentation on the financial strategy. He outlined that Wiltshire Police had achieved £8 million in savings in 2025/26 through various efficiency measures, including estate rationalisation and staff headcount reductions. However, to balance the budget for 2026/27, a further £4.63 million in efficiencies were planned. The financial strategy prioritises sustainability over expansion, with a commitment to maintaining current police officer numbers.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed increase in the police precept. The PCC explained that Wiltshire Police is one of the lowest-funded forces per head of population in the South West and nationally. To maintain current service levels and fund essential investments, including the Emergency Services Network and a new Southern Hub, a £15 increase per Band D household per year was proposed. This increase would raise approximately £4.1 million and would mean Wiltshire would have the second-lowest policing precept in the South West. The PCC emphasised that without this increase, drastic measures would be required, potentially impacting core services and reserves.

During the discussion, panel members expressed support for protecting frontline officers and welcomed the efficiency measures. Concerns were raised about potential staff reductions, with the PCC and interim Chief Financial Officer clarifying that the focus would be on efficiencies and rebalancing the workforce, rather than detrimental service cuts. The panel also discussed the financial formula for police funding, noting that Wiltshire's low population density, due to Salisbury Plain, impacts its funding. The potential for precept rates to change if Swindon and Wiltshire were to be split into different police force areas was also acknowledged.

The panel resolved to note the report and the planned consultation process with Wiltshire and Swindon residents regarding the precept proposals.

Communications

The panel discussed ways to improve communication between the Police and Crime Panel, the PCC's office, and the wider public. Members acknowledged the challenges in engaging the public, particularly on social media, where negative headlines often garnered more attention. Suggestions included neighbourhood police teams engaging with communities through mobile stations and attending local events. The PCC highlighted the importance of community engagement and noted that the Chief Constable's fortnightly letters and parish magazine contributions were part of their communication strategy. The idea of police-themed Area Boards and involving specialist teams like those with drones and police dogs in school visits was also proposed as a way to generate public interest.

Forward Work Plan

Members noted the forward work plan, which included considering the PCC's proof-set proposal at the next meeting and focusing on commissioning services and external grants in March.

Commissioner's Question Time

PCC Philip Wilkinson provided an update on several key issues. He expressed significant concerns about the National Police Air Service (NPAS), questioning its value for money and the difficulty in withdrawing from the associated contract. He also provided an update on the proposed Southern Policing Hub, outlining the timeline for planning applications and procurement, and the intention to engage with the local parish council. The PCC also discussed the use of drones by Wiltshire Police, highlighting the force's investment in the technology and the potential for developing British-made drones. He also touched upon the potential for collaboration with cadet forces on drone technology.