Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson delivered a sobering update to the Swindon and Wiltshire councillors on September 11th, revealing the serious financial challenges facing the county’s police force. Wilkinson’s “hand on heart” admission — that he could no longer confidently assure residents of maintaining current police service levels — was met with stunned silence from the committee.
The commissioner outlined the force’s funding streams: a national government grant and a council tax precept. Wiltshire receives £127 per capita through the national grant, significantly lower than the national average of £164, and far less than some London boroughs that receive over £400 per person. Through council tax, Wiltshire’s police receive £287 per Band D household, lagging behind neighboring Gloucestershire’s £307.
Wilkinson emphasized Wiltshire’s exceptional safety record as “a credit to the work of Wiltshire Police and Chief Constable Catherine Roper,” adding, “we have achieved this with less money than other counties.” However, he cautioned, “If both the grant and council tax amounts remain the same, we won’t be able to sustain current service levels.”
READ MORE: Extensive Investigation Continues into Bridgwater Building Firm’s £15m Collapse
READ MORE: How to Watch Munster Rugby vs Bath Rugby Live: Free Streaming and Full Team News
He revealed that the force has trimmed all possible expenses and is reviewing contracts line by line to find savings, but stressed the need for “radical solutions” going forward.
The situation sparked concern among councillors. Cllr Allison Bucknell highlighted the need to manage public expectations around police presence and facilities, noting, “People don’t need a building to feel safe—this might be an opportunity to reset old-fashioned thinking.”
Queries about specific costs also arose. When asked about the police helicopter, Wilkinson explained that the region pays £176,000 an hour for a fixed wing aircraft, which was used only twice in the last year. The force increasingly relies on advanced drone technology — currently equipped with 35 drones and a trained pilot team — though it remains locked into a costly National Police Air Service contract.
Cllr Kevin Asplin proposed leveraging Proceeds of Crime funds, but Wilkinson lamented the restrictions, noting he has petitioned the Home Secretary for rights to proceeds from speeding fines, which currently go directly to the treasury.
Despite financial challenges, Wilkinson shared positive highlights from Wiltshire Police’s recent performance:
- At 53 crimes per 1,000 residents, Wiltshire boasts the lowest crime rate nationally, well below the 87 national average.
- According to the Office for National Statistics, 58% of residents rate the force as ‘good’ or ‘excellent,’ ranking Wiltshire Police as the third most trusted force in the country.
- Response times for 999 calls have improved dramatically, from 11 seconds to 6 seconds to answer, and from 1 minute 24 seconds to 51 seconds for average response time.
- Home Office-funded hotspot patrols launched in ten locations across Swindon and nearby towns have been underway since April.
The commissioner’s candid assessment starkly underlined that without increased financial support, Wiltshire Police faces a future of service cuts and difficult compromises.