£3.6m saved by Wiltshire Police as Chief provides update
The Force is trying to save £5.2m over the current year
Wiltshire Police has provided an update on it's quest to save over 5 million pounds this year.
A funding shortfall for the year meant the Force was left facing a void of £6.8 million for 2025/26.
While Police bosses had already identified £1.6m worth of savings, there was still much work to do.
But, of the remaining £5.2m, Chief Constable Catherine Roper has revealed in her latest open letter to Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, that £3.6m has been saved so far.
This has been achieved through closing some Police buildings to reduce costs, while also making more efficient use of equipment.
She's reiterated her desire to retain people and deliver for the county.
In her open letter, the Chief said"At this current time, we are maintaining our existing number of police officers and PCSOs to ensure we are fully visible and accessible to our communities.
"This work will continue at pace to ensure we balance our budget for this financial year, and to prepare us for the likely savings required in the years to come. I am determined that we ensure our future sustainability and continue to deliver an improving service to the communities of Wiltshire."
It follows a boost from Government during the Spending Review, where Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 2.4% increase in funding for Police Forces.
However, Chief Constable Roper said that will have very little impact.
The Chief said: "In real terms, this represents a 1.7% uplift to our funding which will cover little more than anticipated annual inflationary pay increases for officers and staff.
"While any increase in national police funding is welcome in light of the challenges all forces are facing, it doesn’t relieve the full financial pressures on our organisation."
Despite £1.6m still to be saved, Chief Constable Roper said the challenge has helped improve the grip and governance of the Force's financial management and planning.