•Government is increasing funding for policing to more than £15 billion in 2021-22, up by £636 million from this year.
• Wiltshire is set to receive an additional £7.3 million as part of this settlement
• Funding will be used to increase police officer numbers and keep communities safe.
Wiltshire Police is set to receive an additional £7.3 million in its funding next year, thanks to the Conservative Government’s increase to police budgets.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced policing will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22 – an increase of £636 million on last year.
This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, delivering on the promise made by the Conservatives in last year’s General Election. Wiltshire Police has already benefited from an additional 17 officers.
The funding will be also be used to bolster counter-terrorism policing, including money for armed policing and more officers.
The Conservative Government has been determined to support the police throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as officers have worked tirelessly to keep communities safe. The Government has provided £30 million to help forces step up coronavirus enforcement and has reimbursed forces for all additional PPE purchased between March and July.
Commenting, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said:
“Officers and staff at Wiltshire Police have been instrumental in keeping our community safe this year, and we pay tribute to them for their hard work and professionalism.
“We are delighted to see Wiltshire Police are getting an additional £7.3 million next year. We were both proud to be elected last year on a promise to get more officers onto the streets and to ensure our police have what they need to keep us safe.
“This Conservative Government is now doing exactly that – ensuring we build back safer as we recover from coronavirus.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“We have asked more of the police than ever before during the coronavirus pandemic – the British people and I are extremely grateful for their dedication.
“I am absolutely committed to giving the police the resources they need – this funding package delivers on that.
“It will allow us to continue to put more police on the streets, and reduce crime as we build back safer from the pandemic.”
