POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire Angus Macpherson is hoping for a tax increase to cover the hole left in police budgets by government cuts.

On January 6 Mr Macpherson officially opened a public consultation on the issue, announcing that he was considering an increase of £3.06 in council tax each year for the average household.

This average, represented by a band D home in Wiltshire and Swindon, currently stands at £160.92, meaning the increase is only a small percentage of what most people already pay.

An increase would provide the Commissioner with an extra £345,000 for 2015-16 but would not stop Wiltshire and Swindon from having the lowest council tax rate for police and crime in the south west.

However this potentially rise may not be the end as Mr Macpherson admits that further cuts will come over the next few years.

Mr Macpherson said: “After a careful review of our budget, it is clear that we have to look at a small increase in the police and crime element of council tax to offset further cuts in central government funding in the coming year.

“I want to ensure that the money raised locally is used for local policing – that is Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Response officers.

“As public sector budgets continue to be cut, the aim is to work more effectively together to both improve customer service and reduce costs.”

The consultation will run from January 6 to February 4 and Angus Macpherson will be visiting Wiltshire Council’s Area Boards, including Malmesbury’s on January 14, to discuss solutions.

Mr Macpherson will be speaking to the Police and Crime Panel at County Hall in Trowbridge on February 5 and will formally present his proposal.

People can also read more about the proposal and give their views at www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk